The Difference Between Workers’ Comp and Disability in Washington DC
March 28, 2019
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Understanding the difference between workers’ compensation and disability can be hard. After all, they both provide you with benefits when you can’t work. How could they be all that different?

Although they sound similar, there are actually major differences between workers’ comp and disability. Some of the biggest differences have to do with:

  • The types of accidents that qualify you for benefits
  • The benefits you receive
  • How long you get benefits
  • Where the money comes from to fund the benefits
  • Whether or not you return to work
  • How you qualify

Because it can be so confusing, you’re much better off speaking with a Washington DC workers’ comp lawyer before you file your claim. If you file the wrong type of claim, you won’t get benefits. And, if you wait too long to file your claim, your claim will be denied.

Your Washington DC workers’ compensation attorney can review your case. He’ll let you know which type of benefits to apply for. He can also help you through the entire process. He’ll make sure you aren’t taken advantage of. He’ll also make sure he protects your rights.

Your Washington DC Workers’ Comp Lawyer Knows the Difference Between Workers’ Comp and Disability

The biggest difference between workers’ comp and disability is how you get hurt. If you get hurt at work, you’ll need to file a workers’ compensation claim. However, if you get hurt any other way and aren’t able to work, you’ll file for disability.

In order to collect workers’ comp, you must get hurt while on the job, doing something work-related. Your employer pays insurance to cover you for these situations. He’ll forward your claim to the company’s insurance company. In most cases, the insurance company will pay your claim.

If you get hurt while playing a sport or get in a car accident, you’ll have to file for disability. Disability is funded in two ways. SSI is funded by general taxes. This is disability for people who have little to no work history.

SSDI is funded by your wages. If you worked most of your life, you can collect SSDI. You paid into it, so you can collect from it.

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Your Washington DC Workers’ Comp Lawyer Understand What it Takes to Qualify for Each Type of Benefits

The way you qualify for each type of benefit is different. In fact, it’s actually easier to qualify for workers’ comp than it is disability. The requirements for disability in Washington DC are pretty strict.

To qualify for disability in Washington DC, you need to meet the following requirements:

  • Have a medical condition that makes it impossible for you to work
  • Not currently be working
  • Be out of work for a year (or have a doctor confirm that you will be out for at least a year)

Your medical condition must be included in the government’s list of qualifying conditions. A broken finger won’t qualify you for disability. However, cancer may. Your condition has to be very severe to qualify.

To qualify for workers’ compensation, the law isn’t as strict. To get workers’ comp benefits, you must:

  • Have gotten hurt while on the job
  • Work a job that qualifies for benefits (almost all private employers)
  • Receive medical care from company-approved doctor
  • Comply with all medical treatment
  • Not work another job
  • Not be able to do your job because of your injuries

Since there is such a difference between the two types of insurance, you’re better off relying on a Washington DC workers’ compensation attorney. He can help figure out which type of claim you have.

The Benefits for Each Type of Insurance is Different

If you get hurt on the job, workers’ comp will cover your medical treatment. It will also provide you with replacement wages until you can return to work.

If you’re collecting disability, however, you’ll be responsible for your own medical treatment. If you don’t have insurance, you may qualify for Medicaid. It really depends on whether you have assets or not.

The amount you receive will also be higher for workers’ comp. You’ll get most of your regular wages until you return to work. For social security, the amount is a bit lower.

Contact a Washington DC Workers’ Comp Lawyer Today

If you get seriously injured and can’t work, you need help. You need some way to take care of yourself and your family. You may qualify for either workers’ compensation or disability.

Call and schedule your free initial consultation with a Washington DC workers’ comp lawyer. He can sit down and review your case and guide you in the right direction.

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