If you are recovering from a work injury and considering a job change, the timing and circumstances of that decision can have a direct impact on your workers’ comp benefits. Understanding how a job change affects your claim can protect your benefits and help you make informed decisions during your recovery.
Can you work at a new job while collecting workers’ comp benefits?
Not while you are receiving Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits. These benefits replace a portion of your lost wages while you are unable to work, and accepting a paying job during this time is not permitted under Ohio law. Doing so is considered workers’ compensation fraud, which can lead to benefit termination, mandatory repayment and legal penalties.
Once your doctor clears you to return to work, you can accept a new position, but it must fall within the physical restrictions your doctor has set.
What happens to your benefits if your new job pays less?
If your new job pays less than your pre-injury position, you may still be eligible for working wage loss benefits. These benefits make up roughly two-thirds of the gap between your old wages and your current earnings. The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) sets the limits and has specific requirements you must meet to qualify.
This can be especially relevant if you worked in a physically demanding trade and can no longer perform those duties at the same level.
Does your medical coverage follow you to a new job?
Yes. Your medical benefits are tied to your workers’ comp claim, not your employer. As long as your treatment is related to your original work injury, your coverage continues regardless of where you work.
Timing matters when changing jobs during recovery
The stage of your recovery when you make a job change determines how your benefits are affected. Once you have documented medical clearance and restrictions in place, your options open up considerably. The Ohio BWC also offers a transitional work program to help injured workers return to the workforce in a capacity that matches their current physical abilities.
Navigating the rules around job changes, wage loss benefits and medical coverage can be difficult on your own, and a mistake at the wrong time could put your benefits at risk. Consulting an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer can help you understand your options and protect your claim.