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.

It takes a little more to qualify for disability than it does to qualify for retirement. To qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, you must have worked long enough and recently enough under the current laws. For each year you work, you can earn up to four credits, maximum. Each credit is based on a certain amount of money earned; the amount of earnings required for a credit usually increase each year, as general wage levels increase.

There is no set requirement as to how often you must see your physician.  However, to continue receiving benefits you must be under the continued care of your doctor.  Periodically,  forms will be mailed to you to obtain updated medical information.  Those forms must be completed by you and your physician and returned to this Division. For detailed information on benefit calculations, see our web page entitled,  Benefit Calculations.

Social Security rules make it possible for people to test their ability to work without losing their right to cash benefits and Medicare or Medicaid. These rules are called "work incentives." The rules are different for title II and title XVI, but under both programs they may provide:

No.  Where you live has no bearing on whether you can receive disability benefits.  The most important eligibility  requirement is that you worked for a New Jersey covered employer.

You will receive weekly benefits for a specified period of time based on the type and extent of your permanent disability. Benefits for workers who have been totally and permanently disabled may continue indefinitely. Medical evaluations are usually required to establish the nature and extent of any permanent disability.

You may be able to receive SSI in addition to monthly Social Security benefits, if your Social Security benefit is low. The amount of your SSI benefit depends on where you live. The basic SSI check is the same nationwide. Effective January 2006, the SSI payment for an eligible individual is $603 per month and $904 per month for an eligible couple. For January 2005, the SSI payment for an eligible individual is $579 per month and $869 per month for an eligible couple.

If your employees work part time and still suffer a wage loss due to a family care need, they may receive benefits provided they are otherwise eligible. Disability and Paid Family Leave insurance is a wage loss protection program, which means that individuals may be eligible for a portion of the Disability and Paid Family Leave insurance benefit if they are suffering a loss of wages and meet the other eligibility requirements. No.

The law provides that the employer must have notice or knowledge of an alleged injury within 90 days of its occurrence, if not, benefits may be denied. The 90-day period begins to run when the employee knew, or should have known the injury arose out of and in the course of employment.

Social Security rules make it possible for people to test their ability to work without losing their rights to cash benefits and Medicare or Medicaid. These rules are called “work incentives”. The rules are different for Social Security and SSI disability, but under both programs they may provide:

Answer: Someone totally disabled can recover Social Security Disability benefits, in addition to Workers Compensation Benefits, if they qualify. The Social Security Administration may decrease (offset) what it pays, depending on the amount of workers compensation payments and amount of Social Security Disability benefits.

Yes. However an offset, or reduction in your workers' compensation check may be applied because the law states that the two combined may not exceed 80 percent of your average weekly wage earned prior to your injury. For further information on Social Security, you may contact the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213 or visit their website at http://www.ssa.gov/.

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.

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.

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.

Anyone, regardless of age, may receive disability benefits so long as his or her disability meets Social Security's definition of disability. Under certain conditions, a disabled worker's family may qualify for disability benefits, as well. For example, the following family members may be eligible to receive disability benefits under Social Security: A spouse of any age who is caring for the worker's disabled child, so long as the child is also receiving benefits.

Social Security and Disability: We'll need a copy of a recent award letter, and a current check stub (or a copy of a bank statement if direct deposit). It is also necessary to show that it is a permanent disability. Pension: Recent check stub, and any forms you have showing the duration of payments. The goal is to prove your income. You'll need two years completed and signed tax returns. Keep in mind we only count 75% (90% if Government loan) of the rental income, but 100% of the expenses.