How Do Disability Benefits Work with Workers Compensation?

Among the many types of coverage available under workers compensation, disability benefits are also offered. This type of compensation occurs when an employee obtains a disability due to a work-related accident or injury. For example, if an employee’s hand gets caught in a machine and it must be amputated, they may be entitled to disability benefits under workers compensation.

Does Workers Compensation Cover Pre-Existing Disabilities? 

Overall, workers compensation generally does not cover pre-existing conditions. This insurance is different than the health insurance offered by an employer. Workers compensation is geared to cover incidents that happen while an employee is working. Injuries that occur off the clock or offsite will not be covered.  

A permanent total disability refers to a permanent disability that affects the entire body, such as permanent paralysis from the neck down. 

What Does Workers Compensation Cover for Disabilities? 

Workers compensation covers medical bills, wage replacement and rehabilitation in regard to disabilities. Rehabilitation can refer to physical therapy and vocational rehabilitation, which helps train employees in a different industry if an injury leaves them unable to work in their original industry. 

How are Workers Compensation Disability Benefits Paid? 

Disability benefits depend on the type and severity of the disability. For temporary disabilities, benefits may only be paid for as long as the disability lasts. This includes wage replacement in case an employee’s disability leaves them unable to work. 

Wage replacement is paid based on a percentage of the employee’s typical income and occurs on the same schedule as their usual paycheck. For example, if an employee is normally paid monthly, wage replacement benefits will be paid on the same day each month as their typical paycheck. 

Medical bill compensation is paid as expenses arise. If an injured employee needs surgery for a work accident, for example, the employer’s insurer will pay compensation once the surgery is required. 

In extreme cases, benefits may be paid for as long as the employee lives, such as in the case of permanent total disability that requires hospitalization or long-term care. 

Can You Get Workers Compensation and Federal Disability Benefits? 

If you already receive disability assistance through federal means, you may still qualify for benefits through workers compensation. Benefits through workers compensation will only apply if your disability is caused or worsened by a work-related injury. If you have a disability that is not related to a work accident, you will not qualify for disability benefits through workers compensation. 

Employees should ask their employer about their workers compensation policy, especially if said employee already has a disability or injury that could grow worse due to the work. In some cases, insurers will use old injuries as a reason to deny workers compensation claims. If an employee can prove that the work exacerbated an old injury or caused a new one, however, they may be able to receive workers compensation benefits. 

If an accident occurs at work, make sure to document everything, including pictures if possible. The more tangible proof you have of an accident, the more likely you are to be approved for workers compensation and disability benefits. If you already receive disability benefits, make sure that you also qualify for workers compensation simultaneously so that you can get the amount of assistance you need after a work accident. 

Employers with any questions about how their workers compensation policy works should contact their insurance agent.