Workers’ compensation is available to many New Jersey workers who get hurt or suffer injuries while performing the duties of their jobs. The process of obtaining workers’ compensation benefits can take time and is subject to specific notice requirements and other statutorily mandated obligations. When a worker gets hurt on the job and is confused about how to obtain workers’ compensation benefits, they can choose to work with a trusted workers’ compensation lawyer to help them meet the requirements of the process.
Depending on the nature of a worker’s claim, the process of getting approved for workers’ compensation benefits can be lengthy. A worker may not have any income as they wait for a determination about their application for benefits. They may be able to seek some compensation through the state’s temporary disability insurance program. This post will discuss that program and who may qualify for its benefits period readers are reminded, however, that no part of this post should be read as legal advice.
Temporary disability insurance
Temporary disability insurance is financial support for individuals who cannot work because of disability or pregnancy. It does not fully compensate a worker for the income they may have received if they were doing their job, but it does provide them with cash to help them make ends meet as they wait for a determination on workers’ compensation. It is important to note that individuals who did not suffer their injuries or illnesses on the job may also seek cash benefits from the state’s temporary disability insurance program.
Eligibility for temporary disability insurance
Individuals who have paid into the temporary disability insurance program are eligible to collect benefits from it. Generally, government workers, out-of-state workers, independent contractors, and individuals who have opted out of paying into the program may not seek benefits from it. Depending on the nature of their work, some of those individuals may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits even if they are not eligible for temporary disability insurance.
Making temporary disability insurance and worker’s compensation work together
Temporary disability insurance is exactly that: it is temporary and not a long-term solution for an injured worker. When a worker suffers harm while doing their job, they may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits and temporary disability insurance may help them bridge the gap between losing their wages and getting workers’ compensation.
It can be stressful to lose the ability to work due to an injury or illness. It can be detrimental to a worker’s family to be without their income for an extended period of time. It is important that workers understand they have rights and options for being compensated during their periods of convalescence and recovery. Their trusted workers’ compensation lawyers can help them understand what state an employer-based benefits they are entitled to receive as they heal from their losses.