After a debilitating workplace injury, you might not be able to perform your duties as before. Some people might not even be able to work at all. In either case, you might wonder if Georgia workers’ compensation and unemployment benefits can work together to ease financial hardships during your recovery. The simple answer is that it’s possible, but very rare.
To sign up for unemployment benefits in Georgia, you must certify that you are ready, willing, and able to work. If you suffered a workplace injury and lost your job, you cannot collect unemployment unless you can work. Let’s look at each type of benefit and explain eligibility requirements now.
Can I Receive Both Workers’ Compensation and Unemployment Benefits?
Workers’ comp benefits support people injured on the job. They primarily cover your medical expenses and a portion of your lost wages. By contrast, unemployment insurance benefits are for those who lose their job through no fault of their own. Collecting unemployment provides some temporary income as you search for new work.
Each category of benefits serves different and often incompatible situations. If your injuries render you completely disabled, you probably won’t be actively seeking work. As such, you would not qualify for unemployment benefits. However, you might still be eligible for workers’ comp or other disability benefits.
Potential Exceptions
Some states allow people to receive both workers’ comp and unemployment benefits if they still have some ability to work and are actively searching for a new job. Georgia is not one of these states, but there is still one exception to the rule.
If you were injured on the job, terminated by your employer, and are still waiting for a response from the workers’ comp claim insurer, you could qualify for unemployment benefits. This would offer you some financial support during your recovery and job search.
Be aware that if you use this exception, the workers’ comp amount might decrease for the weeks you receive both benefits. Your employer can file Form WC-243 with both the state and your lawyer. Once they do, they’ll only have to pay the difference between their workers’ comp rate of pay and your unemployment benefits.
How Can a Workers Compensation Attorney Help Me?
Working with both unemployment and workers’ compensation claims can get complicated quickly. A Georgia workers’ compensation attorney can help by:
- Determining your eligibility for workers’ comp benefits
- Gathering the required documentation and filing the claim
- Appealing a denied claim
- Defending your rights if benefits stop
The Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C. Advantage
If you were injured on the job in Albany or Dougherty County, let the Georgia workers’ compensation attorneys from the Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C. evaluate your eligibility for benefits and pursue compensation for you. Since 2010, we have recovered millions of dollars for injured workers with our comprehensive approach and small-town values. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Site by