Workers' Compensation — work injury benefits
State-mandated insurance that provides wage replacement, medical benefits, and rehabilitation to employees injured on the job or who develop occupational.
Official source: dol.gov
Workers' compensation is a type of insurance required by state law. It helps employees who get hurt at work or become sick due to their job. Benefits usually include medical treatment for injuries, wage replacement for time off work, and help with job training if they cannot return to their old job. Wage replacement is often about two-thirds of the employee's regular pay.To qualify, an employee must show that the injury or illness happened while doing their job. By accepting workers' compensation benefits, the employee usually gives up the right to sue their employer for the same injury.It is important to file a workers' comp claim right away. Delays can weaken the case and make it harder to get benefits. Additionally, receiving workers' comp can affect <a href="/glossary/social-security-disability-insurance">Social Security Disability Insurance</a> (<a href="/glossary/5-month-waiting-period">SSDI</a>) benefits due to a rule known as the "workers' comp offset." For example, if someone receives workers' comp payments, their SSDI payments may be reduced.
In real life
- A construction worker who breaks a leg after falling from scaffolding gets help paying medical bills.
- Someone who gets carpal tunnel syndrome from typing at work can receive money for their lost wages.
- A factory employee who develops a breathing problem from exposure to chemicals at work can get help with treatment.
Also known as
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Frequently asked questions about Workers' Compensation
What is Workers' Compensation?+
State-mandated insurance that provides wage replacement, medical benefits, and rehabilitation to employees injured on the job or who develop occupational illnesses, regardless of fault. Benefits typically include: medical treatment, temporary total disability (TTD) wage replacement (~2/3 of wages), permanent disability, and vocational rehabilitation.
Who qualifies for Workers' Compensation?+
Eligibility rules vary. Use BK's free Benefit Eligibility Screener to see if you may qualify based on your situation.
How do I apply for Workers' Compensation?+
BenefitKarma's free Benefit Eligibility Screener can point you to the right application path.
Where can I get help?+
Use BenefitKarma's free Benefit Eligibility Screener to see what programs you may qualify for. The Find Benefits tool tool also lets you browse programs by state.
Source: dol.gov