How Long Do You Have to Work to Qualify for Workers Compensation?
While workers compensation is a type of employee benefit, this insurance is different from other employee benefits such as health insurance or life insurance. Not only does it work for the employee, but it also helps protect the employer in case of an accident.
Employers should have a workers compensation policy in place before any employee steps foot in the establishment or clocks in. This insurance is required by most states for full time employees and occasionally part time or seasonal employees.
This insurance should be automatically offered for all employees no matter how long you have been working or whether you work part time, full time or seasonal.
How Do Workers Comp Benefits Work?
Workers compensation covers injuries an employee may obtain while on the job. When an employee files a workers compensation claim, the employer will notify their insurance provider.
Benefits for workers compensation will only be paid out once the claim is approved. Workers compensation may provide compensation for:
-
Medical expenses related to the injury
-
Wage replacement
-
Disability benefits
-
Death benefits
Medical expense payments are provided as the expenses arise. This may include doctor visits, procedures, surgeries and even physical therapy in some cases.
Wage replacement, on the other hand, is generally a set amount. This occurs when the employee is unable to work for a certain amount of time (usually at least two weeks) due to the work-related injury. The employee will receive a percentage of their normal wage on the day they would usually be paid. So if you normally get paid biweekly, for example, your wage replacement will occur biweekly as well.
Disability benefits only pay out if the employee is declared partially or totally disabled by a medical professional. This could be partial or total paralysis, both temporary or permanent. Payments for disability benefits depend on the severity of the disability. For permanent disabilities, employees may receive compensation for months or longer after the incident.
Death benefits are only paid out in the unfortunate circumstance where an employee passes away on the job or due to a work-related injury. In this case, a lump sum benefit will be paid to the employee’s surviving family.
There is also coverage for training at another job if the employee is unable to work in the same industry after an accident.
If you have any questions about your employer’s workers compensation, be sure to ask or seek advice from an insurer.
Tags: workers compensation