What other benefits impact the amount of SSD you can qualify for?

If you’re applying for — or already receiving — Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, you may be receiving benefits and payments from other sources as well. Some of these other sources of income can impact how much you’re entitled to receive in SSD benefits, while others may not.

These benefits may be reduced if you’re receiving other government disability payments from a local, state or federal agency for a nonwork-related injury or illness. This could include temporary disability payments paid by the state or retirement benefits paid to disabled local or state government employees.

However, some public benefits have no impact on SSD benefits. These include Veterans Administration (VA) benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and local and state government benefits from which Social Security taxes are deducted.

Benefits from private sources won’t impact your SSD benefits. These might include private insurance or pension benefits.

If you’re receiving workers’ compensation benefits, the source of those benefits will determine whether they will impact your SSD benefits. Workers’ comp can be paid by private insurance companies, by individual employers or by state and federal workers’ comp agencies.

It’s essential to report any and all other disability income you’re receiving to the Social Security Administration (SSA) when you apply for SSD benefits. You also need to report any changes (increases and decreases in amount and/or frequency) in these other benefits to the SSA. Not providing accurate information could cost you benefits that you’re entitled to — or result in problems if you neglect to report other sources of income.

Navigating the world of disability benefits can be a frustrating and confusing. The SSA provides information, but that can leave recipients even more confused. An attorney experienced in dealing with SSD and other disability benefits can provide valuable guidance to you and your family.