Workers Compensation

Workers Compensation and Disability Benefits

Can you receive workers compensation and Social Security benefits MN at the same time?

Workers compensation (sometimes referred to as “workers comp”) may reduce your Social Security benefits. If you receive workers compensation and disability benefits, the total amount of benefits cannot exceed 80 percent of your current average earnings prior to the time you became disabled.

Calculating the reduction

Your monthly Social Security disability benefits (including benefits payable to family members) are added together with your workers’ compensation or other public disability payment.

If the total amount of these benefits exceeds 80 percent of your average current earnings, the excess amount is deducted from your Social Security benefit.

Example: Before you became disabled and unable to work your average current earnings were $4,000 a month. You and your family would be eligible to receive a total of $2,200 per month in SSA disability benefits. However, if you also receive $2,000 a month from workers’ compensation your disability benefit will be reduced. Because the total amount of benefits you would receive ($4,200) is more than $3,200 (80 percent of your average current earnings), your family’s Social Security benefits will be $1,000 less.

Your Social Security benefit will be reduced until the month you reach age 65 or the month your other benefits stop, whichever comes first.

If you are receiving workers’ compensation benefits you are still eligible for Minnesota workers compensation and disability benefits. A Social Security benefits MN lawyer at Fields Law Disability Center can help you coordinate your work comp and Social Security benefits.