Are Workers Comp Checks Mailed?

Workers’ comp checks are mailed by the insurance company. Typically, a check is mailed every 2 weeks or within the timeframe stated in your policy. Since workers’ comp checks are usually mailed, the day you receive your checks can vary due to depending on the USPS.

While delays can be normal, an abnormally long delay is not. Since workers’ comp checks are at the mercy of the U.S. Postal Service, you need to follow up and check on the status of your checks regularly. If you suspect your checks are continuously lost or being withheld, get in touch with the experienced workers’ comp attorneys at Pond Lehocky as soon as you can.

Can I Get My Workers’ Comp Check Direct Deposit?

Yes, you can get your workers’ comp check via direct deposit. In fact, it is preferable that you do so, as it reduces the chances of your checks being lost in the mail, misdelivered, or stolen.

Direct deposit is more secure and faster than receiving a paper check. Receiving a paper check means you need to deposit it at a bank or via a bank app, which can take an additional 2 to 3 days before you get your money.

How to Track a Workers’ Comp Check

For many states, there is no standardized way of tracking where your check is if it gets mailed. Workers’ comp checks typically do not send with a tracking number, so you are at the mercy of whenever postal workers get your check to your mailbox.

The best way to see if your check was sent is to reach out to the insurance company directly or to ask the HR department at your job to investigate the status of your check. Remember, mail can fluctuate, especially during busier times of the year like the holidays. A slight delay can be normal, but regular delays or a lack of checks altogether is an entirely different story.

Reasons for a Delayed Workers’ Comp Claim

There are several reasons your workers’ comp check could be delayed:

• Clerical Errors – This is one of the more common reasons why workers’ comp claims get delayed. Insurance companies do make mistakes, so it is best to follow up and ensure all of your information is accurate so checks do not get sent to the wrong address or mishandled.
• Medical Documentation Review – Reviewing medical documentation can be a tedious process and will sometimes require more time than normal, especially for more complex workers’ comp cases. To avoid further delays, always be sure to provide your medical documents on time.
• Change of Personal Details – If you recently moved or changed your name, workers’ comp checks can become lost or delayed. To avoid this, update your change of name or address as soon as possible to continue to get your checks on time.
• Stopped Benefits – Sometimes, delayed checks are not delayed at all; instead, your insurance company may have ceased your benefits. If you have reached maximum improvement or have been deemed as fully recovered, you will not receive further checks.

While there are many legitimate reasons for your delayed workers’ comp check, you should not have to wait for long periods without your benefits. If you feel like your check is late for other reasons, there are several steps you can follow.

What Should I Do if My Workers’ Comp Check Is Late?

It is important to remember that workers’ comp cases are considered to be legal cases. That said, if your check is late beyond a reasonable amount of time, you should:

• Gather evidence as to why you believe your payment is late.
• Contact your insurance company and inform them of your late check. Provide all the evidence necessary.
• If the insurance company dodges you or refuses to work with you to resolve this matter, contact an attorney to start taking legal action against them.

While it is understandable that checks can be delayed for a few days due to errors beyond the insurance company’s control, anything beyond a week is unreasonable. If you find that the insurance company is not working to resolve your issue, you have the legal right to hold them accountable for lack of payment.

When Does Workers’ Comp Stop Paying You?

When workers’ comp checks stop coming in, it can be due to one of these 3 reasons:

1. You informed the insurance company that payments should cease.
2. A judge decides that payments should stop.
3. You have recovered from your injury and have returned to work.

All of the above are legitimate reasons for an insurance company to stop providing you with your bi-weekly benefits. However, if your checks suddenly stop and none of the reasons above apply, let us help you.

How to Check Workers’ Comp Status

Checking the status of your workers’ comp claim is extremely helpful, especially when you need your benefits to cover medical bills or compensate for lost wages. One of the best ways to see the status of your claim is to check in with your employer. They can help locate where your claim is in the process and inform you of the next steps, if any.

Alternatively, many states now also offer a way to check the status of your claim online. You will need to provide your claim number, Social Security number, and a few other additional details to check the status.

Are Workers’ Comp Payments Taxed?

No, workers’ comp payments are largely considered to be non-taxable, so you do not have to worry about any of your checks being taxed in the future. There may be some unique instances when tax could apply, but this is not true for the vast majority of cases unless other forms of benefits payments are involved, such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

If You Are Not Receiving Your Workers’ Comp Benefits, Let a Lawyer Help

After getting injured on the job, you should receive your workers’ comp benefits promptly. If you find that your check is late beyond a reasonable timeframe, do not hesitate to contact one of the workers’ comp lawyers here at Pond Lehocky.

Our lawyers fight hard for their clients and have recovered millions in settlements. For a free consultation at no risk to you, contact us today.