Can Other Payments Affect Social Security Disability Benefits?

The answer to this question is “Yes – maybe.” Whether or not a source of income may affect your Social Security Disability (SSDI) benefits depends on the source.

Private benefits vs. Public benefits

Generally, disability benefits from private sources like pensions or insurance benefits don’t affect your SSDI payments.

However, “public” benefits that are payable from federal, state or local governments may reduce your SSDI benefits. Examples include civil service disability benefits, state temporary disability benefits and state or local government retirement payments based on disability.

Workers’ Compensation, paid because of a job-related injury or illness, may also reduce SSDI benefits.

There are, however, some public benefits that do not affect SSDI benefits. These include:

• Veterans Administration (VA) benefits,
• State and local government benefits if FICA Social Security taxes had been deducted from earnings, or
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Learn more about how your SSDI benefits might be reduced at this Social Security publication.

Report Any Change in Your Income to the Social Security Administration

If you receive a new source of income or if your income changes or stops, please notify the Social Security Administration right away. You can phone them at 800-772-1213 or report to your local office.

Let Social Security know if the amount of your Workers’ Compensation or public disability payment decreases or increases. These changes are likely to affect your SSDI benefits.

Please contact us if your SSDI benefits are changed or suspended and you don’t understand why. We are Southern California Social Security Disability experts and can help!

We Can Help with Your Social Security Disability Application or Appeal

If you or a loved one has been denied Worker’s Compensation or Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, it’s important to get an attorney experienced in these types of cases involved immediately.  Call our Los Angeles County office at 800.438.7734 for your initial free consultation, either in our office or in the comfort of your own home.  The Kenton Koszdin Law Office, Social Security attorney in Van Nuys, can help you navigate the application process for the best possible outcome for you and your family.