If you are unable to work due to an injury or illness, you may be eligible for financial help through two main programs: workers’ compensation and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). While both programs provide support, they work differently and have different rules for who can use them. Understanding these differences can help you figure out which one applies to your situation.
Workers’ compensation
Workers’ compensation is a state program that helps employees who get injured or sick because of their job. This program pays for medical bills, lost wages, and sometimes rehab costs. Workers’ compensation benefits are available no matter who is at fault for the injury, so even if the injury was partly your fault, you can still receive benefits. However, workers’ compensation only covers injuries or illnesses that happen while you are working, not those caused by other activities outside of work.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
SSDI is a federal program that helps people who can’t work because of a long-term disability. Unlike workers’ compensation, SSDI is not limited to work-related injuries. To qualify for SSDI, you need to have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a certain number of years. SSDI benefits are based on your work history and earnings, and they can apply to disabilities caused by any factor, not just work.
Key differences
The biggest differences between workers’ compensation and SSDI are eligibility and what they cover. Workers’ compensation only applies to job-related injuries or illnesses, while SSDI covers disabilities no matter what caused them. Additionally, workers’ compensation provides faster access to benefits, while SSDI can take longer to get approved.
Knowing the differences between workers’ compensation and SSDI can help you understand which program you may qualify for and how to get the help you need.