SSDI, SSI, Workers’ Compensation programs, and government cash grants are some of the financial relief programs available to victims of disabling injuries. These financial support programs are a reliable safety net and can prove helpful in difficult times. They provide resources that can help meet a wide array of needs, such as food, housing, energy bills, and medical expenses.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
A victim of a disabling injury may meet SSDI eligibility criteria if he or she cannot perform any income-generating activity. He or she must demonstrate that the injury has kept him or her from working for at least 12 consecutive months to be eligible for these benefits. Some of the disabling injuries that may make a victim qualify for the SSDI benefits include:
- Whiplash and fractured bones or joint injuries
- Back injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Loss of vision and/or hearing
- Severe burns
- PTSD or anxiety
Suffering any of the above injuries after a car accident doesn’t make a victim automatically eligible for SSDI benefits. The victim must apply and provide valid medical proof to support his or her claim. The SSA reviewers will go through the application, together with the medical proof and documents provided by the injury victim to support his or her claim.
They will gather more information regarding the side effects of the injury in question and the extent of recovery from the original injury. They will consider if any drugs the victim is using to treat the condition could affect his or her ability to perform his or her work duties effectively.
The SSA will then assign the victim a residual functional capacity (RFC) based on his or her capability to carry out sedentary, light, or heavy activities. The victim must obtain an RFC score of less than sedentary to qualify for SSDI, unless he or she is above 55 years or cannot perform any other kind of work based on his or her job skills.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
This program is specifically designed for Americans and/or nationals who are unable to address their financial needs due to their age or disabling condition. Successful applicants receive their monthly payments early in the month. They may also be eligible for monthly food stamps and a variety of Medicaid benefits.
Victims of disabling injuries must meet certain conditions to increase their odds of qualifying for SSI. They must be U.S citizens or nationals with limited income and assets. Individuals may get SSI benefits if their assets are worth $2,000 or below, while couples may collect these benefits if their assets are worth $3,000 or below. SSI applicants must also be permanent residents of one of the 50 states, the Northern Mariana Islands, or the District of Columbia.
The Federal Benefit Rate (FBR) is responsible for setting the income limit for SSI qualification and the maximum monthly payment for successful applicants. The 2021 SSI monthly payment for an individual is $794, while for couples is $1,191.
Workers’ Compensation
A person who becomes injured or disabled after a workplace accident may collect monetary benefits through workers’ compensation. This program is a form of insurance that provides workers with financial compensation for injuries or disabling medical conditions sustained because of their employment.
By accepting to collect workers’ compensation, employees relinquish their rights to file a negligence lawsuit against their employer. This compensation bargain aims to create a win-win situation for both the injured employee and the employer. The employee loses his or her right to take legal action in exchange for monetary compensation, while the employer accepts a specific amount of legal responsibility while preventing potentially higher damage of a negligence claim.
Most workers’ compensation programs cover medical expenses associated with workplace injuries. In certain instances, injured workers may collect sick pay in the course of their medical leave. In the event of the death of a worker due to a work-related accident or injury, the workers’ compensation may make payments to the surviving family members or other beneficiaries.
Government Cash Grants
Many federal and state agencies offer cash grants. Although most of them focus on supporting disabled veterans, there are some resources for individuals with disabilities, the elderly, and children. When applying for cash grants, the applicants must submit proof of disability and financial need to support their application. Government cash grants may help address various needs, including utilities, education, housing, and more.