Michigan Workers’ Disability Compensation Agency releases its 2022 Pay Lag Report and info on when you will receive your workers’ comp check.
When will I receive my workers’ comp check? It’s a common question that many people want to know. Many of our clients live paycheck-to-paycheck and even one week of missed pay could result in financial difficulties. How will they pay the rent or mortgage? What about putting food on the table for their family? Here are some items that disabled employees need to know about workers’ comp and what to do if the check is late.
Michigan law requires employers to pay lost wages to employees hurt on-the-job. The amount equals 80% of the employee’s after-tax average weekly wage. This calculation should include overtime, discontinued fringe benefits, and even second jobs that cannot be performed anymore. This is a safety net for employees who cannot work.
When will I receive my workers’ comp wage loss check?
In Michigan, in order to receive a workers’ comp wage loss check, an employee must be disabled for at least 1 week before wage loss benefits are owed. A week is 7 consecutive days and includes weekends. Disability lasting 2 weeks or longer will result in payment going back to the first missed day.
Workers’ comp is supposed to provide regular income to disabled employees as a safety-net. Michigan law requires payments to begin on the fourteenth day. Disabled employees can ask to have their wage loss benefits direct deposited and this sometimes speeds up the process.
The 2022 Pay Lag Report was recently released by the WDCA, and it shows when group funds, self-insureds, and insurance carriers start payment. The average is 21 days, but some insurance carriers wait 30+ days to commence payment. This does not include those claims where a Notice of Dispute has been filed.
What if my workers’ comp check is late?
Workers’ comp checks are typically considered late when they are 30 days past due. There is a $50 per day penalty if wage loss benefits are not paid within 30 days of becoming due. This penalty is subject to a maximum of $1,500. We recommend sending any required documentation by certified mail return receipt requested so there is proof it was submitted. Penalties do not apply when a Notice of Dispute has been filed.
It is a good idea to contact an attorney if your wage loss check is late. It is a red flag that workers’ comp benefits might be disputed. Watch out for claims adjusters who insist on getting an independent medical examination (IME) before starting payment. These are not fair assessments and it’s a sign the insurance company is looking to get out of paying. Sometimes late or missing checks are just an oversight or error.
Why is my workers’ comp check late?
Common reasons on why you receive a late workers’ comp check can be poor claims handling, unresponsive employers, and medical providers who don’t send records are the primary causes of late checks.
When will I receive my workers’ comp settlement check?
Clients often ask us, “when will I receive my workers’ comp settlement check?” Settlement checks under workers’ comp are supposed to be paid after a 15-day appeal period. Our experience is that checks are typically mailed within a 7 to 10 days after expiration.
It is possible to waive the appeal period to speed up this process. Settlement checks must be sent via mail and cannot be direct deposited.
Injured on the job and have questions? Call our attorneys now for a free consultation!
If you or a loved one was injured on the job in Michigan you have questions about when you will receive your workers’ comp check, call now (855) 221-2667 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation with an experienced workers’ comp lawyer. There is absolutely no cost or obligation. We’re here for you.
For more than 40 years, our lawyers have been helping people like you who have suffered from work-related injuries in Michigan. We understand the physical, emotional, and psychological hardships you are experiencing from your accident. We also have the skill, experience, and know-how to protect you and get you the best possible payout amount for your case.
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.
Remember, every work injury claim is different and must be negotiated on its own merits. Do not accept any payout amount without fully understanding your legal rights.
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 40 years. Call (855) 221-2667 for a free consultation today.
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