Questions About Workers' Compensation

How Do You Start the Workers' Comp Process?

Information for injured workers to protect their claim for workers compensation benefits.

What Is Workers' Compensation?

When a worker becomes injured, rather than sue their employer, they can file a claim for compensation against the employer's workers' comp insurance company.

When Can You File a Claim for Workers' Compensation?

You can file a claim for workers compensation benefits as soon as you become injured on the job or develop an illness that is related to your work.

Can You Receive Both Workers' Comp and Social Security Benefits?

It's possible to collect receive workers' compensation benefits and Social Security disability (SSD) benefits at the same time. However, the two programs have different requirements for approval, and the Social Security Administration (SSA) can reduce your SSDI benefits by the amount of your workers' comp benefits.

What Benefits Does Workers' Compensation Provide?

What should you expect to receive if you are approved for workers' comp benefits?

Is There a Statute of Limitations for Workers' Comp Claims?

Yes, workers' compensation laws require an employee (or his or her family) to file a claim for workers' comp benefits within a certain amount of time.

If You Have a Workers' Comp Injury, Can You Choose Your Own Doctor?

Your ability to choose your own doctor for treatment related to a work-related injury covered by workers’ compensation depends on the state where your claim is filed.

How Workers' Compensation Benefits Offset Social Security Disability Payments

Understand how workers' compensation benefits can affect your Social Security disability payments.

Can I Be Fired While Out On Workers' Compensation?

Your employer cannot fire you merely because of your workers’ compensation claim. However, your employer can fire you while you have an open workers’ compensation claim. Legally you cannot be fired for not filing workers compensation claim. Your employer can still fire you if they present valid reasons for the termination.

Do I Have to Pay Taxes on Workers' Comp Benefits?

Workers' compensation benefits are not normally considered taxable income at the state or federal level. The lone exception arises when an individual also receives disability benefits through Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

What is the Difference Between Temporary and Permanent Disability Benefits?

Temporary disability benefits are only available for a short amount of time, which differs by state.

Who Actually Pays for Workers' Compensation Benefits?

Workers’ compensation benefits are paid for, in one way or another, by the employers of the state.