Can I receive SSDI and Workers' Comp at the same time without repayment penalties?

You don't have to "pay back" SSDI, but there is something called the Workers' Compensation Offset that might reduce your SSDI payment. Basically, if your combined SSDI and workers' compensation exceeds 80% of your average current earnings before disability, SSA will reduce your SSDI payment until you reach that 80% threshold. This isn't a repayment - they just pay you less SSDI each month while you're receiving workers' comp. Did you report your workers' comp when you applied for SSDI?

same thing happnd to me last year, i get both but my SSDI check is smaller because of the offset. its annoying but at least you get to keep all the money, no paying back

The previous responses are correct about the workers' compensation offset. Here's how SSA calculates that 80% figure: 1. They look at your "Average Current Earnings" (ACE), which is typically the highest of: - Your average monthly earnings used to calculate your SSDI benefit - Your average monthly earnings from your highest calendar year in the last 5 years before disability - Your average monthly earnings from the highest 5 consecutive years of your working career 2. They take 80% of that ACE figure as the threshold 3. If your combined SSDI and workers' comp exceeds that 80% threshold, your SSDI is reduced Important: This offset usually applies until you reach full retirement age or your workers' comp payments end. Also, some states have "reverse offset" laws where the workers' comp is reduced instead of SSDI, but this varies by state.

I had this EXACT problem and spent WEEKS trying to get through to SSA to fix my offset calculation!!! They kept calculating my benefits wrong and I was getting way less than I should have. I would call and call and never get through - so frustrating!!!

my brother in law got WC and SSDI and they took almost all his SSDI away!!! be careful!!!

Also worth mentioning - if you get a lump sum settlement from workers' comp, SSA will prorate that amount over future months, which can affect your offset calculation. Always report lump sum settlements to SSA immediately.

just to add another thing that tripped me up - any medical expenses paid by workman's comp don't count toward the offset, only the actual cash benefits you receive. SSA only cares about the income replacement part

I worked for SSA for 23 years before retiring. The workers' compensation offset is one of the most misunderstood aspects of SSDI. To be clear: 1. You never have to pay back SSDI you've already received because of workers' comp (unless there was an actual overpayment for some other reason). 2. The offset is applied prospectively - meaning they adjust future payments, not demand repayment. 3. Your state matters - some states have what's called "reverse offset" laws where the workers' comp gets reduced instead of your SSDI. 4. The calculations can be complex, and I've seen many cases where SSA calculated incorrectly and had to be corrected. I recommend getting a benefit verification letter that shows the offset calculation, then verify it matches your actual situation. If something seems wrong, request an explanation or reconsideration.