Michigan lawyer answers the question if workers’ comp counts as income for food stamps and discusses if food assistance for disabled employees is an option if it pays very little or has been disputed.
Many of our clients live paycheck-to-paycheck and it is difficult for them to make ends meet. Going into debt and juggling household bills is common. When a person gets hurt on-the-job it can be a financial disaster because workers’ comp only pays a fraction of lost wages. This is especially true when a disabled employee was the primary breadwinner. It is natural to look for other ways to support their families. Clients frequently ask if workers’ comp in Michigan counts as income for food stamps. Here is some information that everyone should know.
How much does workers’ comp pay? The amount should equal 80% of an employee’s after-tax average weekly wage. This calculation should include money paid for overtime, discontinued fringe benefits, and even second jobs that cannot be performed anymore. We tell clients that a good estimate is 60% of gross pay.
Though workers’ comp counts as income for food stamps in Michigan it is important to know that only low-income individuals qualify for food assistance. They look at how much total money and resources a person might have. Depending upon the income that is paid under workers’ comp in Michigan will let you know if you qualify for food stamps. We recommend anyone who is seeking food assistance contact the State of Michigan to check eligibility.
It is easy to estimate how much will be paid under workers’ comp. Take the highest 39 paid weeks out of the 52 paid weeks before getting hurt and add them together. Divide this total by 39 to get an average weekly wage. Tax filing status and number of dependents will impact the comp rate. We recommend using the online calculator to double check calculations.
Does workers’ comp count as income for food stamps in Michigan?
In Michigan, workers’ comp does count as income for food stamps but it might not pay enough to disqualify a person from receiving food assistance. Food assistance is supposed to be for low-wage individuals. People on workers’ comp are getting wage loss benefits to replace their lost income. Access to food stamps is going to depend upon how much is paid under workers’ comp and whether this amount would disqualify a person. Unfortunately, there is no minimum amount under workers’ comp and payments can be very low.
Another situation that requires much attention is when the insurance company reduces what is paid using post-injury wage earning capacity (PIWEC). This is when they say jobs are available and use imaginary wages to offset what must be paid under workers’ comp. We have seen individuals go from collecting $500 per week to just $19 per week. Though money received from Michigan workers’ comp does count as income for food stamps, food assistance almost becomes a necessity when your wage loss benefits get slashed to almost nothing.
Injured while on-the-job in Michigan? Contact our lawyers now
If you were injured while on the job in Michigan and you still have questions on if workers’ comp wage loss benefits count as income for food assistance such as food stamps or have any other questions surrounding your claim, call now or fill out our contact form for a free consultation. There is absolutely no cost or obligation. Our attorneys are here for you.
Our attorneys have been exclusively helping injured workers in Michigan for more than 35 years. Our attorneys can help you better understand Michigan work injury laws and what happens after someone has been hurt on the job. To see what our own clients have to say about the caring, compassion, and communication they received from us, you can read in their own words about their experience here on our testimonials page from clients we have helped.
Michigan Workers Comp Lawyers never charges a fee to evaluate a potential case. Our law firm has represented injured and disabled workers exclusively for more than 35 years. Call (844) 201-9497 for a free consultation today.
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