Seriously Injured but Not Sure which Program Applies? The Difference Between Social Security Disability and Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Michigan
The truth of the matter is that when a person is injured, whether at work, at home, or due to a chronic illness, it can be a confusing, scary, and uncertain time. With medical appointments to attend and a serious illness or injury to treat, most people who are seriously injured or impaired have little time or energy to navigate the complex and sometimes confusing worlds of Social Security Disability and workers’ compensation. However, when a person is seriously injured or impaired, and is unable to work, it is important for them to understand their rights and benefits to these different programs. Indeed, both Social Security Disability (SSD) and workers’ compensation benefits are designed to help impaired or injured individuals financially while they treat their injury or illness. But how are SSD and workers’ compensation benefits programs different and which one applies in your unique case? To help Michigan residents better understand how these two programs work, we provide those answers here.
Social Security Disability vs. Workers’ Compensation in Michigan
At the outset, it is important for Michigan residents to understand which administrative bodies oversee SSD and workers’ compensation benefits in Michigan. In Michigan, and throughout the United States, SSD benefits are administered by the federal government via the Social Security Administration (SSA). However, workers’ compensation benefits programs are not federal programs, but, rather, are state programs. In Michigan, the Workers’ Disability Compensation Agency handles workers’ compensation claims. Another major difference between SSD and Michigan workers’ compensation benefits programs is that while Michigan workers’ compensation benefits are only available to Michigan workers who have been injured on the job and are unable to work as a result, SSD benefits are not limited to workers for work-related injuries or illnesses. Accordingly, there are different eligibility requirements for both SSD and Michigan workers’ compensation benefits. Finally, monetary benefits and compensation are determined differently under SSD and Michigan workers’ compensation programs.
Legal Help for Individuals Seeking Social Security Disability Benefits in Michigan
Of course, every SSD case is unique, so it is best to speak with an experienced Michigan Social Security Disability lawyer as soon as possible about your individual case if you are seeking SSD benefits. An experienced Michigan Social Security Disability lawyer can review your case to see if you may be eligible for SSD benefits, how much you may be entitled to, and the next steps that you can take to move your claim forward. In addition, an experienced Michigan Social Security Disability lawyer can help represent you in front of the Social Security Administration in your case to fight for you to get SSD benefits due to you.
The experienced Michigan Social Security Disability lawyers at Nationwide Disability Law offer a free and confidential consultation to learn about your Social Security Disability case and to see if they can help fight for you. Contact Nationwide Disability Law today and speak to an experienced lawyer about your case for free.
