When a worker in New Jersey gets hurt on the job, they face numerous challenges. They may need medical care and time away from their job as they heal. Thankfully, the workers’ compensation program helps connect employees with the support they need while recovering from job-related medical conditions.
The medical benefits available through workers’ compensation can pay for the employee’s necessary treatment. They may also qualify for disability benefits until they can return to work. Disability benefits can help people cover their basic cost-of-living expenses when they cannot work due to medical challenges related to their jobs. However, disability benefits don’t fully replace lost wages.
What can workers count on receiving from workers’ compensation when they are unable to work?
Average wages determine the benefits available
When estimating the disability pay available through workers’ compensation, employees need to look at not just their own average wage but the current average weekly wage for all employees across the state. Many workers qualify for temporary disability benefits if they require a leave of absence while recuperating or undergoing treatment.
Workers can potentially receive up to 70% of their average weekly wage when they qualify for temporary total disability benefits. The amount paid never rises above 75% of the current average weekly wages across the state. Workers generally receive no less than 20% of the statewide average weekly wage.
The same basic guidelines apply in scenarios where workers are never able to return to gainful employment. They can receive ongoing permanent total disability benefits until they reach retirement age.
Permanent partial disability benefits are different. They depend on the parts of the body affected by the medical issue and can vary significantly from one case to the next. Particularly in cases where workers have permanent disabilities that force them to change jobs but do not prevent them from maintaining any sort of employment, they may need help negotiating to obtain an appropriate amount of permanent partial disability benefits.
Learning about how New Jersey workers’ compensation supports people who cannot work due to their job-related health challenges is important. Many workers can qualify for benefits that can help them meet their financial responsibilities until they recover.