Can an injured worker collect Social Security and Workers' Compensation?

Social Security and Workers' Compensation are separate programs. An injured worker’s entitlement to, or denial of, social security benefits generally will not have an impact on their workers’ compensation claim, with the exception of an offset of benefit amounts. The rules, and entitlement criteria to the two programs are separate and distinct. For example, as an employee in Washington State, you are covered under Industrial Insurance from the first day of your employment. Social Security benefits are paid to workers (and families) when an injured worker has enough credits to qualify. (With some exceptions). A disability does not need to be work related in order for an employee to collect benefits from Social Security.