Laurel Workers' Compensation Blog

Social Security disability benefits may be available for a variety of different types of including if the disabled individual suffers from a disability because of a physical health condition or mental health condition they suffer from. As is true of physical health conditions, if the disabled individual's mental condition is severe enough that it prevents them from working, they may be able to claim Social Security disability benefits.

Depending on the severity of the disabled applicant's mental condition, and whether or not it prevents them from working, they may qualify to receive Social Security disability benefits. The way that is works is that the Social Security Administration maintains a list of mental impairments recognized as inherently disabling. Those suffering from mental impairments on the list are presumed to be unable to perform substantial gainful activity.

Repetitive stress injuries are serious injuries workers can suffer in the workplace. They can come on, and worsen, over time and can have a debilitating impact on workers and their ability to work and earn a living. As a result, workers suffering from a repetitive stress, or strain, injury should know what they can do about it.

Repetitive stress injuries result from a gradual build up of damage to muscles, tendons and nerves that is caused by repetitive motions. Repetitive stress injuries can result in construction jobs, office jobs and on assembly lines and in other types of work as well. Repetitive stress injuries can be painful for workers suffering from them and can also be difficult to treat. Fortunately, workers' compensation benefits and other options may be available to help workers suffering from a repetitive stress injury or other types of injuries suffered on the job.

After a worker has been injured in the workplace, it is important for them to know what to do and where they can turn. Workers' compensation benefits are a valuable resource that injured workers should know how to obtain when they find themselves facing time away from work as they recover from an injury suffered on the job.

Injured workers have both rights and responsibilities as part of the workers' compensation process and applying for benefits. To begin with, it is important for injured workers to report any injury they have suffered on the job as soon as possible and to fill out an accident report. Injured workers should also be aware that in Mississippi they can select the health care provider they wish to see for the treatment and care of their injuries. Injured workers can also see the doctor provided by their employer and its insurer, if they prefer to do so. The decision is up to the injured worker and depends on their comfort level.

Eligibility for Social Security disability benefits is based off of two things including a medical condition that causes disability and work history. Disabled applicants need to qualify based on both their disability and work history credits so they should be familiar with how work history credits work.

Work history credits are earned when the disabled applicant works in jobs covered by Social Security that pay into Social Security. Social Security work history credits are based on the wages or self-employment income the applicant earns over the year and it is possible to earn up to four work credits a year. The amount of earnings needed to earn a work credit varies by year to disabled applicants should be familiar with the number needed when they are applying.