Leroy Barnes, the dancer behind the famous Kia car commercials featuring dancing hamsters, has an intriguing backstory. Before his role with Kia, Barnes danced alongside big names such as Kelly Rowland, Madonna, and Chris Brown. Things took an unexpected turn when Barnes was arrested for insurance fraud. Despite working as a Kia hamster, he reportedly collected over $51,000 in fraudulent disability payments.
In 2010, Barnes filed for disability, claiming a ceiling collapse had incapacitated him during another job. But, his energetic performance in the Kia commercial suggested he was in good health. If found guilty, Barnes faces up to $75,000 in fines and a potential six-year prison sentence. His case highlights the importance of being cautious when returning to work post-disability.
### Why Do People Work While Collecting Disability?
Many individuals begin working before their disability benefits end for valid reasons. Often, being out of work can lead to frustration and depression, and returning to work can help alleviate these feelings. People usually try out a few tasks to see if they can handle job responsibilities again.
Disability benefit providers differ; some stop payments immediately when an employee returns to work, while others offer partial benefits during the transition. Consulting with a disability insurance attorney can help individuals understand their policies and rights. Legal advice can safeguard benefits throughout the process and ease the return to work. However, some workers neglect to engage with their disability payment providers.
### How Employers Can Help
Accommodating disabled employees is generally cheaper than hiring and training new staff. According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy, 58 percent of companies incur no cost when accommodating disabled employees. An additional 24 percent experience a one-time cost, usually under $500.
These accommodations are effective; 75 percent of employers reported positive outcomes. Retaining disabled employees brings both direct and indirect benefits such as retaining valuable staff, boosting productivity, and reducing new hiring costs. Indirect benefits include improved coworker relationships, better company morale, and enhanced overall productivity.
### Navigating Disability Insurance
Before returning to work, it’s wise to consult with an attorney to understand how disability benefits might change. An attorney can clarify your rights and negotiate with insurers and employers. If you are receiving private disability payments and want to start a new job, a lawyer can help you transition without breaking any rules. Sometimes, former employers’ insurers may continue paying partial benefits under certain conditions.
For those not working with an attorney, it’s crucial to contact your insurer before beginning any work. Without legal advice, there’s a risk of miscommunication or making agreements that are not in your best interest. One useful strategy is to request a trial period from your disability insurance provider, during which you can work part-time while still receiving benefits.
### Before Returning to Work
Experts often recommend starting with volunteer work to test physical and emotional readiness. If volunteering is energizing, it may be time to discuss accommodations with your former employer or to look for a new job.