Disability Benefits, Workers' Compensation & Return-to-Work Flashcards

An SSDI beneficiary begins working and earns above the trial work period threshold. How many trial work months may they use before benefits are affected?

Answer: 9 months within a rolling 60-month period

The SSDI trial work period allows 9 months (not necessarily consecutive) of earnings tested within a rolling 60-month window without loss of benefits.

After the trial work period ends, which SSDI work incentive provides a period during which benefits can be reinstated for any month earnings fall below SGA?

Answer: Extended Period of Eligibility

The 36-month Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE) pays benefits for months earnings fall below SGA without a new application.

A former SSDI beneficiary whose benefits ended due to work has to stop working because of the same impairment. Within what period may they request Expedited Reinstatement?

Answer: 5 years

Expedited Reinstatement may be requested within 5 years of benefit termination and provides up to 6 months of provisional benefits.

In workers' compensation, which benefit category typically applies when a worker is completely unable to work while healing but is expected to improve?

Answer: Temporary total disability

Temporary total disability (TTD) replaces part of lost wages while the worker cannot work during the healing period.

The point at which a treating physician determines an injured worker's condition has stabilized and is unlikely to improve with further treatment is called:

Answer: Maximum medical improvement

Maximum medical improvement (MMI) marks stabilization and often triggers the shift from temporary to permanent benefit determinations.

According to the commonly used return-to-work hierarchy, which option should a rehabilitation counselor generally explore FIRST?

Answer: Same job with the same employer, possibly modified

The hierarchy prioritizes returning to the same employer in the same or modified job because it preserves wages, seniority and relationships.

Workers' compensation is commonly described as an 'exclusive remedy' system. What does this mean for the injured employee?

Answer: The employee generally cannot sue the employer in tort for the workplace injury

In exchange for no-fault benefits, employees generally give up the right to sue their employer for negligence.