When you’ve been injured on the job, it’s important to know what your Workers Comp benefits are. Very few people are familiar with disability laws and regulations and most of the laws are very confusing. They attorneys at Richard Schwartz & Associates want to help you understand the laws that protect disabled people and the disability benefits. There are two different programs that provide disability benefits:

  • The Social Security disability insurance program
  • The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program
  • Your spouse, if he or she is 62 or older
  • Your spouse at any age, if he or she is caring for a child of yours who is younger than age 16 or disabled
  • Your unmarried child, including an adopted child, and in some cases, your stepchild or grandchild
  • Your unmarried child, age 18 or older, if he or she has a disability that started before age 22. The child’s disability also must meet the definition of disability for adults.
  • In some situations, a divorced spouse may qualify for benefits based on your earnings if he or she was married to you for at least 10 years, is not currently married, and is at least age 62. The money paid to a divorced spouse does not reduce your benefit or any benefits due to your current spouse or children.

The amount of money you can receive depends on average earnings during your working life. The Social Security statement you receive each year from the Social Security Administration lists your lifetime earnings, year by year, and provides an estimate of your disability benefit. It also includes estimates of retirement and survivors benefits that you or your family may be eligible to receive in the future. Sometimes your family members can qualify for a Social Security disability benefit income based on your earnings during your working life. These family members include:

Disability laws and benefits can be confusing and in order to receive the highest compensation possible you will need the help of a lawyer who specialized in Social Security disability laws. They will be able to help you fill out the necessary paperwork and help you make the best decisions possible, eliminating as much stress as possible and help you get the money you deserve