If you have been told by a physician that you have pneumoconiosis or other lung problems, you may have questions about whether you are eligible for any compensation from the Federal Government. The Federal Black Lung Benefits Program is completely separate from the State Workers’ Compensation programs. Some miners may qualify for one program and not the other.

If it appears that your physical condition will prevent you from doing any job for an extended period of time, we may suggest that you apply for Social Security disability benefits. Depending on your wage history, Social Security may pay you more than Workers' Compensation. If you have already received some Workers' Compensation benefits, those will be offset from your Social Security payments. No double recovery is permitted.

Yes. There is an offset, which reduces Social Security disability benefits because of worker's compensation benefits paid, but in virtually all cases, there is still some Social Security disability benefits to be paid. In a few states the offset works the other way - worker's compensation benefits are reduced because of Social Security disability benefits.

SOCIAL SECURITY PROGRAMS: UNDER THEM, HOW CAN I GET ENOUGH EARNINGS TO QUALIFY FOR BENEFITS? Click on a question to get an answer.

The Social Security Administration reduces your disability benefits, if you receive worker's compensation benefits that are calculated into your claim, and it depends upon the type of worker's compensation that you receive.

If you are totally disabled from all forms of employment, it is theoretically possible for you to receive wage-loss benefits for the rest of your life. This, however, is unlikely to occur. If your injury occurred after June 24, 1996, and you have received one hundred and four weeks of total disability benefits, the company has the right to require you to submit to a medical examination to determine the extent of your permanent impairment.

I would talk to an attorney before filing, but you can file yourself, too. As soon as you become disabled, and are working erratically or not working, you may apply for disability at any Social Security office. You may also apply by phone. The best way to start is to call 1-800-772-1213. Most people who are comfortable writing answers find that a telephone appointment is the easiest way to file. If you are not comfortable with a lot of writing, set an appointment to apply in person.

Yes.  A portion of disability benefits is considered taxable income for both the Federal Income Tax and FICA (Social Security).  The portion of the benefits payment that is taxable is that portion attributable to the employer's disability contribution.  The worker's share of FICA is deducted from State Plan benefit payments.  The employer is liable for the employer's share of FICA.  Federal income tax is withheld only if requested by the claimant.

Members who are injured in the line of duty are eligible to receive a disability benefit of at least $300 a month for as long as the member is unable to perform his/her duties.

You may be eligible for compensation if you were wounded, injured or became ill while on active duty in the Armed Forces. Pre-existing injuries or illnesses which were aggravated by military service are also covered. Although most service-connected disabilities show up during or soon after military service, some conditions may not have appeared at all or appeared but were not too "disabling" until many years after you got out of the service.

The amount of your disability compensation depends on the seriousness of your disability. When you apply for disability compensation, your medical records are reviewed and usually you have a VA medical examination. Your disability is rated and expressed as a percentage. The monthly payment you receive is based on this percentage. If you have dependents, an additional allowance may be added if your disability is over 30%.

Disability Compensation: A monthly monetary benefit paid to veterans who are disabled by injury or disease incurred in or aggravated during military service. Disability Pension: A monetary benefit paid to veterans of a period of war who are permanently and totally disabled for reasons not the result of their own willful misconduct and not related to their military service. This benefit is income-dependent.

Federal employees are covered by a law similar to COBRA. Those employees should contact the personnel office serving their agency for more information on temporary extensions of health benefits.

You must notify your employer immediately of your work-related injury or illness. Any delay in notification may jeopardize your ability to receive benefits. Notice to your employer may be given orally or in writing. In your own self-interest, DO NOT submit to a recorded statement and DO NOT sign any documents given to you by your employer or by your employer's insurance carrier until you are able to have them reviewed by a competent workers' compensation attorney.

BENEFITS PAYABLE TO FAMILY MEMBERS BASED ON THE RECORD OF SOMEONE WHO IS DISABLED, DECEASED OR RETIRED For some of these benefits, the family member has to be disabled; for some, he or she does not. Click on a question to get an answer.

In short, if you earn income, or if the Administration thinks you have gotten healthy enough to work.

Yes.  Eligibility for temporary disability benefits due to pregnancy is determined in the same manner as for any other disability.  You must meet the wage requirements and your physician must certify that you are disabled.  For more information, see our web page entitled Pregnancy.