Getting hurt at work may cause a ripple effect that impacts your career, your relationships and your independence. The uncertainty of your future and your ability to provide for your family can create debilitating stress and worry.
Balancing the financial repercussions of your injury with the ongoing pressure to provide may create the need for financial assistance. You may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits if your injury and related circumstances meet the requirements.
Injury impact on skills
Depending on the industry you work in, your injury may create physical or mental impairments that prevent you from working. For example, as a maritime worker, you require the full use of your hands and arms. Injuries including broken bones, a torn rotator cuff or paralysis could reduce your mobility in various degrees.
While you may experience a full recovery after some time, other injuries may cause you permanent disability. According to the Social Security Administration, one of the factors considered when determining disability is whether or not your condition is severe enough to prevent you from working partially or at all. They will also look to see if your condition falls under a category on their list of disabling conditions.
Injury impact on future
The SSA will also assess the likelihood of you making a full recovery and having the opportunity to return to your former job. Working together with your health care provider, they may monitor your recovery and progress to determine if you qualify for ongoing benefits. Even if you are able to return to work eventually, you may need partial benefits as you transition back.
If the SSA denies your application for disability benefits, you have the right to file an appeal. Keeping detailed records of your injury and its impact on your life can help you establish a case. Knowing some of the factors the SSA considers when determining an injury may help you better prepare your application.
