Claim process -- Wage-loss and monetary benefits

Benefits available, where to send them

The employee may request in writing that benefit payments be sent directly to their bank or other financial institution. The written request should include the name and address of the institution, and the account number to which the payments should be credited. The self-insured employer or insurer must comply with this request.

Types of monetary benefits

Temporary total disability (TTD) benefits are paid if you are totally disabled from any work due to a work injury or if you cannot return to work because your employer cannot accommodate the work restrictions from your doctor. The first payment of these benefits should be issued within 14 days of the date your employer first had knowledge of your disability. After these payments are started, they should be paid at the same interval as your wages were paid.

Temporary partial disability (TPD) benefits are paid if, because of a work injury, you earn a lower weekly wage than you earned at the time of the injury. They are paid at the same interval that your wages were paid. However, if your wage varies, TPD benefit payments are due 10 calendar days after the date that the documentation of your wage loss is sent to the insurance company by either you or your employer. Ultimately, it is your responsibility to make sure wage-loss documentation is sent to the insurer.

Permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits compensate you for loss of permanent use of a specific body part. (See PPD schedule. Note:  Minnesota Rules 5223.0300 through 5223.0650 contain the schedule used for all injuries on or after July 1, 1993.)

Dependency rights benefits could be due to the surviving dependents of an employee if the employee dies because of a work-related accident or occupational illness.

Cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) are used to adjust the rate at which ongoing benefits are paid to the employee and/or dependents. Employees injured on or after Oct. 1, 2013, are eligible for cost-of-living adjustments starting three years after the injury date, with a maximum increase of 3 percent. No adjustment shall be less than zero percent.

• See:  What do I do if my workers' compensation claim or wage-loss/monetary benefits are denied?

• See:  What if my wage-loss benefits have been discontinued or stopped?

• See:  What if my checks are late?

Forms you might see

Notice of Intention to Discontinue Workers' Compensation Benefits (NOID) – This form will be sent to you from your insurer if your wage-loss benefits are being discontinued or if TTD is being changed to TPD. Read the form carefully, because it will explain why your benefits are changing and what you can do if you disagree with the change. Keep a copy of this form for your records.

• See:  What if my wage-loss benefits have been discontinued or stopped?

Notice of Benefit Reinstatement (NOBR) – This form will be sent to you from your insurer if your wage-loss benefits are being reinstated or if TPD is being changed to TTD. Read the form carefully, because it will explain why your benefits are changing and what you can do if you disagree with the change. Keep a copy of this form for your records.

Notice of Benefit Payment (NOBP) – This form will be sent to you from your insurer if you receive payments of non-wage-loss benefits, such as a PPD payment. Read the form carefully, because it will explain what benefits are being paid and when the payment will be made. Keep a copy of this form for your records.