If you have been injured on the job, you may be entitled to compensation for the disability you have suffered. What can you do while you wait for those financial benefits to be approved?
Suffering a workplace injury, especially one that results in disability, can be a terrifying experience. Fortunately, employers within our state are required under law to provide workers’ compensation insurance for injured employees if they have five or more employees (or one or more for employers within the construction industry). An injured employee may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits, too. However, while workers’ compensation benefits or/and Social Security disability benefits are available to injured workers, these benefits do not always kick in immediately. Here is what you need to know about the financial help that is available while you are waiting for your disability benefits.
Apply for Workers’ Compensation
If you are waiting on Social Security disability benefits, one thing that may provide financial relief is applying for workers’ compensation benefits. Typically, workers’ compensation benefits are approved faster than are Social Security benefits. Of course, this is not always the case, especially if you have a complex claim. What is more, you need to provide your employer with notice of your injury immediately in order to kickstart the process, and if you fail to do so, you could risk losing your right to benefits permanently. Talk to a Missouri workers’ compensation lawyer to learn more.
Apply for Government Benefits
Depending upon your financial circumstances, you may be eligible for certain government benefits while you wait for disability payments. These benefits might include:
- Unemployment benefits;
- Food stamps (SNAP);
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF);
- Public assistance/welfare; and
- Medicaid.
If you have children for whom you are responsible for providing care and cannot due to a disability, there may be additional forms of financial assistance available.
Consider a Private Loan
In some cases, a private loan may be an option. A private loan can serve as a great source of financial assistance while you wait for disability benefits to begin. However, remember that private loans often come with high interests rates, and if you are unable to repay your loan upon receiving your disability benefits, you may face more financial complications down the line than you would have otherwise.
Consult with an Experienced Professional
Understanding the options that are available to you if you need financial assistance while you wait for disability benefits to start can be complicated and confusing. One thing that can be helpful is sitting down with an experienced lawyer who is well-versed in workers’ compensation law and the various disability benefits that are available to those who are injured in the workplace. At The Law Firm of Webster & Carlton, our Missouri workers’ compensation lawyers are passionate about helping those who are harmed in the workplace and need benefits, and fast. To schedule your free consultation with our lawyers, please call us directly or send us a message. We will aggressively advocate for you.