Getting hurt on the job can be very expensive. A worker can have thousands of dollars in treatment needs. They may not be able to work because of their medical condition. An injured worker in Minnesota may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits after a diagnosis of a health issue related to their employment.
The coverage that they received could pay for their medical care. They may also qualify for disability benefits if they require a leave of absence from work during their recovery. Disability benefits through workers’ compensation confuse many people. Oftentimes, workers are unsure about what the state will provide them with or even what situations qualify them for disability pay.
There are both temporary and permanent disability benefits available. Workers’ compensation can provide partial disability benefits if people move into lower-paying work or total disability benefits if they cannot work at all. How much can a worker expect to receive in disability pay?
Income and the law determine benefit amounts
In general, the most that an employee will receive through disability benefits is two-thirds of their average weekly wage. Not everyone will receive the maximum benefit possible. Only those who require a leave of absence to heal or who become permanently unable to work will receive total disability benefits.
Even then, the state imposes a maximum benefit amount based on the average weekly wage reported across the state. Workers in well-paid professions may receive far less than two-thirds of their usual paycheck. Currently, the maximum amount a worker can receive would be $1,363,74 per week. Minnesota updates that amount in October of each year to reflect the state’s average weekly wage. Workers requesting partial disability benefits receive less than that. Typically, partial disability benefits can cover up to two-thirds of the difference in someone’s current wages when compared with what they earned before their injury.
It can be difficult for workers to cover all of their expenses when receiving reduced income through workers’ compensation. However, partial pay while receiving disability benefits is better than no income because someone cannot work at all. Ultimately, learning about the rules that govern disability benefits can make it easier for people to support their families after acquiring a medical issue on the job.
