Disability and Workers' Compensation Advice: SSDI, SSI, Work Injuries and Returning to Work

Work and lawyers
How to Apply for Social Security Disability (SSDI): Step-by-Step Guide
How to apply for SSDI benefits, eligibility rules, medical evidence, what Social Security looks for, common reasons for denial and how the review process works.
4 min read
Work and lawyers
SSDI vs SSI: Differences, Eligibility and Which Disability Benefit You May Qualify For
The difference between Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income, work history versus financial need, income and asset limits, Medicare and Medicaid and applying for both.
4 min read
Work and lawyers
Social Security Disability Appeals: The Four Levels
Most initial SSDI and SSI claims are denied. Learn the appeal levels, the 60-day deadline and how attorney fees work.
2 min read
Work and lawyers
Social Security Overpayments: What to Do If SSA Says You Owe Money
Why overpayments occur, your right to appeal or request a waiver and how repayment works.
2 min read
Family and estate
Special Needs Trusts: Protecting Benefits for a Person With a Disability
How special needs trusts let a person with a disability receive money without losing benefits such as SSI and Medicaid.
4 min read

Workers' compensation

Accidents and injury
Workers' Compensation Basics: Who Is Covered and How to File
How workers' comp pays medical bills and lost wages after a job injury, and the steps to start a claim.
4 min read
Work and lawyers
Workers' Compensation Claim Denied: How to Appeal and What Evidence Helps
Why workers comp claims are denied, deadlines to appeal, how hearings work, evidence to gather, independent medical exams and when to hire a workers comp lawyer.
3 min read
Work and lawyers
Workers' Comp vs Third-Party Injury Claims: When You Can Sue Someone Other Than Your Employer
How workers compensation limits suits against employers, when third-party claims are possible, examples such as vehicle crashes and defective equipment, and how benefits and liens interact.
3 min read
Work and lawyers
Workplace Safety and OSHA Complaints: Your Rights
How to report unsafe conditions to OSHA, protection against retaliation and the deadline to file a retaliation complaint.
2 min read
Work and lawyers
Workplace Retaliation: How to Recognize and Prove It
What counts as retaliation, the elements of a claim, evidence that helps and deadlines to file.
3 min read

Work and lawyers
Long-Term Disability Insurance Denials: Appeal Rights, ERISA Deadlines and Evidence
Why long-term disability claims are denied, how ERISA appeal rules work, strict deadlines, building the record, own occupation vs any occupation and when to hire a lawyer.
3 min read
Work and lawyers
FMLA Leave: Who Qualifies and What It Protects
The Family and Medical Leave Act gives eligible workers up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave. See the eligibility rules.
4 min read
Work and lawyers
Paid Sick Leave Laws: Do Employers Have to Provide It?
Federal rules, state and local paid sick leave laws, typical accrual rates and what to do if you are denied sick time.
2 min read
Work and lawyers
COBRA Health Insurance After You Lose Your Job
How COBRA continuation coverage works, who is eligible, the deadlines to elect it, the cost and alternatives.
2 min read
Work and lawyers
Unemployment Benefits: How to Appeal a Denial
Why claims get denied, the short appeal deadlines, what happens at a hearing and how to prepare.
4 min read

Work and lawyers
Returning to Work After an Injury or Illness: Rights, Accommodations and Leave
Your rights when returning to work after injury or illness, FMLA and ADA protections, light duty, workers comp return-to-work programs and how to request accommodations.
3 min read
Work and lawyers
Disability Accommodations at Work Under the ADA
How the Americans with Disabilities Act applies to employment, what reasonable accommodations are and how to request one.
4 min read
Work and lawyers
Pregnancy at Work: Discrimination, Accommodations and Leave
Federal protections for pregnant workers, including accommodations, leave and the right not to be fired or demoted because of pregnancy.
2 min read
Work and lawyers
When to Hire an Employment Discrimination Lawyer
Signs that legal help is worthwhile, how discrimination cases work, filing deadlines and what to bring to a consultation.
2 min read

What is the difference between SSDI and SSI?

SSDI is insurance based on your work credits. SSI is a needs-based program with income and resource limits.

Why was my disability claim denied?

Common reasons include insufficient medical evidence, earnings above limits or a finding that you can do other work. You can usually appeal.

Can I get workers' comp and sue someone else?

Often yes. A third party who caused your injury may be liable separately.

What if my long-term disability claim was denied?

Appeal within the plan deadline, often 180 days, and submit complete medical evidence.

Can my employer fire me for filing a workers' comp claim?

Retaliation is illegal in most states.