If you are approaching retirement age and collecting workers’ compensation benefits, you may wonder whether retiring could impact your current benefits. This is important to consider because making the wrong decision could cost you. Here is what you need to know about collecting workers’ compensation and retirement benefits at the same time in North and South Carolina.
Can You Retire While on Workers’ Compensation in North Carolina?
You may be eligible to receive both your Social Security Retirement benefits and your workers’ compensation benefits at the same time. However, a decision whether to do so may have implications on your workers’ compensation claim. It is important to remember that even if you are retiring, you chose to terminate your employment. This may impact your claim. Further, there are certain offsets between Social Security benefits and workers’ compensation benefits, depending on the facts of your case.
Speak with an experienced North Carolina workers’ compensation attorney to learn more about your options.
Can You Retire While on Workers’ Compensation in South Carolina?
Yes, you can retire in South Carolina while collecting workers’ compensation benefits. However, doing so can affect the payments you receive. Just like in North Carolina, South Carolina workers’ compensation benefits are typically separated into two parts:
- Medical Expenses. Which should be fully compensated by your employers’ workers’ compensation insurance.
- Lost Wages. Which your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance covers a percentage of while you’re unable to work.
Medical expenses should be fully covered in South Carolina regardless of your employment status and a percentage of your lost wages if you are unable to work due to a permanent or temporary disability.
Depending on whether your retirement is voluntary or involuntary can also make a difference. If you can work and choose to retire, you may no longer be eligible to receive the disability part of your workers’ compensation benefits.
If your employer refuses to cover the complete costs of your medical care or if you have any additional questions about collecting workers’ compensation while retired, contact the North and South Carolina workers’ compensation attorneys at Grimes Teich Anderson today.
Dedicated Workers’ Compensation and Disability Attorneys in North and South Carolina
Since 1979, we have been committed to making a difference in the lives of the injured people in the Carolinas. We continue that legacy by treating each case like our own, working tirelessly to bring our clients the compensation, healing, and justice they deserve. If you have suffered an injury on the job and can no longer work, we are here to help. Speak with a workers’ compensation lawyer for free today.
Contact us by submitting a form below or calling our office at 800-533-6845 for a free injury and case evaluation.