While you may not give much thought to your paycheck, it’s important to ensure that you’ll still get one when you become disabled or injured on the job. Understanding the various requirements you’ll need to meet in order to receive unemployment can assist you in streamlining the process in the future. Here are steps you’ll need to undergo to handle disability and injury claims for unemployment.
Start By Letting Your Employer Know
The first step that you should take when it comes to your inability to work is to speak with your employer. You’re required to inform them of the injury that occurred or the disability that you’re undergoing. It’s best to report the situation as soon as possible to your employer. You should be informing your supervisor, not other employees.
This Is What Workers Compensation Is For
Most if not all businesses have to invest in workers’ compensation to protect the well-being of their employees. Workers’ compensation coverage handles medical expenses, lost wages, and other benefits for workers who are injured or become disabled. This should be thought of as a type of insurance. It’s important to note that laws vary from state to state. Also, there are some exemptions of this policy, such as with federal employees.
What Businesses Are Exempt
There are a few different businesses that are exempt from having to get workers compensation insurance. First, businesses that don’t have any employees, like self-employed individuals and independent contractors, are exempt from mandatory coverage. Most states also include exemptions for maritime workers, farmworkers, railroad employees, and government workers.
Filing A Claim with Your State
The exact process for filing a workers’ compensation claim is going to vary slightly depending on the state that you live in. In most cases, you’ll simply report the injury or disability to your employer. They will furnish the appropriate paperwork and file it with your state’s workers compensation department. All states have an online website that can refer you to the appropriate paperwork and process for filing a claim in your individual state.
Once your claim is filed, the workers compensation insurance will perform their own investigation into the claims. If approved, you’ll start to receive your benefits. If your claim is denied, you’ll be alerted by the insurance company. You always have the right to appeal the decision.
Handling unemployment due to injuries and disabilities can be a bit challenging at first. You should always consider hiring an unemployment lawyer to assist you throughout the process. This way, you can work on getting healthier while letting them handle the paperwork.