Can I Draw Social Security Benefits at the same time as I am Drawing my Time Loss or Pension Benefits?

Yes. Between Social Security and the Department of Labor & Industries benefits, you are entitled to receive 80 percent of your highest year’s earnings or your time loss compensation or pension rate, whichever is higher. The highest year’s earnings must be within the five years prior to when Social Security determined you to be disabled or the average of your highest five consecutive years of earnings. Social Security will reduce any retroactive benefits based on the benefits you were receiving from the Department of Labor & Industries and the Department will reduce your ongoing benefits based on your receipt of Social Security benefits. It is a good idea to apply for Social Security benefits if you expect your disability to last at least one year.