If I apply for Massachusetts Social Security disability benefits and am receiving other benefits, can my claim be denied?

A: If you are receiving benefits from a private disability insurance company, your eligibility will not be affected. However, if you are receiving other public funds for your disability, you may have some trouble.

Workers' compensation is usually paid out through a public fund. It is designed to help workers with a job-related injury or illness. Because this type of benefit may be paid by federal or state agencies, employers or insurance companies, your Social Security benefit can be affected. The SSA website explains it like this:

• If you receive workers' compensation or other public disability benefits and Social Security disability benefits, the total amount of these benefits cannot exceed 80 percent of your average current earnings before you became disabled.

Generally speaking, if you receive payments from any federal, state, or local government source, you should ask questions of a good disability lawyer or other professional. Keefe Disability Law in Boston handles cases like yours every day. Call us toll free at 888-904-6847 to schedule a free case review.