Can an employee receive both workers' compensation benefits and Social Security Disability?

An employee can indeed receive both workers' compensation benefits and Social Security Disability benefits simultaneously; however, it is important to recognize how these two types of benefits interact. Receiving both forms of compensation can lead to an offset in total benefits.

When an employee qualifies for both workers' compensation and Social Security Disability, the Social Security Administration (SSA) may reduce the amount of Social Security benefits based on the workers' compensation benefits received. This is to ensure that the combined total of both benefits does not exceed a certain threshold, which could be viewed as an unfair advantage over those who may only qualify for one or the other.

Understanding this interaction reinforces the importance of reviewing the specific state laws in Oklahoma and the policies of the SSA, as these can affect how benefits are calculated and what the total compensation will ultimately be. Therefore, while it's legitimate to obtain both types of benefits, it is also crucial to be aware of any limitations regarding the total amount received.