Can I Get SSDI Benefits if I Win a Personal Injury Case? 

 Posted on August 27, 2024 in Social Security Disability

Imagine being in a car accident that leaves you unable to work and with severe injuries. After months of surgeries and rehabilitation, you finally receive a lump sum settlement from a personal injury lawsuit. The money helps cover your medical bills and living expenses, but now you are worried about the future.

You have not yet applied for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and you wonder if this settlement will affect your eligibility for SSDI. Could you lose out on benefits because of the money you received? If you are in this situation, it is crucial to understand how SSDI works and to consult with a Texas SSDI lawyer to protect your rights.

What Are SSDI Benefits and What Factors Affect Eligibility?

Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) is a federal program designed to provide financial support to people who are unable to work due to a disability. To qualify for SSDI, several factors are taken into account, including:

• Work History: Your employment record is important in determining eligibility. Generally, you need to have worked and paid into Social Security for a specific number of years.

• Disability Status: You must have a disability that meets the Social Security Administration's (SSA) strict definition, meaning the condition is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.

• Income Limits: SSDI is intended for those who cannot engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA). If your income exceeds a certain amount, you may not qualify for benefits.

How Does a Personal Injury Settlement Affect SSDI Benefits? 

Because SSDI benefits are based on work history, a personal injury settlement should not affect SSDI benefits at all. This is true whether you get the settlement in a lump sum or in smaller payments over time.

However, other benefits you may otherwise be entitled to–such as workers’ compensation benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SS) benefits–may be reduced or taken away altogether.

What Does an SSDI Benefits Attorney Do to Help?

An SSDI benefits attorney is experienced in working with the complex Social Security system and can help increase your chances of approval. Here is how an SSDI benefits attorney can assist you:

• Case Evaluation: The attorney will review your case to determine whether you meet the eligibility requirements.

• Application Assistance: The attorney can help you prepare and submit your SSDI application.

• Appeals: If your initial application is denied, the attorney can represent you in the appeals process, putting together more evidence and presenting your case to a judge.

• Communication with the SSA: The attorney can handle all communication with the Social Security Administration on your behalf.

• Protecting Your Rights: The attorney ensures that your rights are protected throughout the application or appeals process and that you receive the benefits you are entitled to under the law.

Contact the Plano, TX SSDI Lawyers with The Law Offices of Coats & Todd

If you are considering applying for Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) or are concerned about how a personal injury lump sum settlement might affect your eligibility, it is important to seek professional legal guidance from The Law Offices of Coats & Todd. Our skilled Plano, TX SSDI benefits attorneys can help you get through the SSDI process, protect your rights, and work to make sure you have the benefits you are promised by law. We give free consultations. Call 972-671-9922 today.