Can You Work While on Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ compensation benefits provide medical treatment and financial support to injured employees in North Carolina. Unfortunately, as helpful as these benefits are, the money you’ll receive will typically be a smaller percentage of your actual wages.
That means injured workers might still face financial hardships during treatment and recovery. So, if you require additional money while you’re unable to return to your previous position, you might be wondering: “Am I allowed to work while receiving worker’s comp benefits?”
Can I Work and Still Get Workers’ Compensation in Greensboro?
The short answer is yes, but only in specific circumstances. The point of workers’ compensation benefits is to help you pay your bills while you’re recovering from workplace injuries. In many cases, going back to work while you’re still healing could aggravate your injuries. For that reason, you cannot work while getting workers’ compensation in most cases.
One notable exception to this rule is if your doctor has cleared you for light-duty work or if your duties have been modified to accommodate your injury. If your doctor says you can go back to work but your injuries have not fully healed, you can work while still receiving workers’ compensation. That said, going back to work could reduce your benefits, so it’s worthwhile to talk to a workers’ compensation lawyer before you resume your job.
Is It Illegal to Work a Second Job While Getting Benefits?
You can work a second job while receiving workers’ compensation only if the second job is distinct from your primary job and your injuries don’t affect your second job. If your second job is similar to your primary job and you’re receiving workers’ comp, your employer can have your disability benefits terminated by arguing that your injuries aren’t severe enough to prevent you from working. Your medical benefits should remain, though.
What If I Had a Second Job Before the Injury?
It won’t matter when you started your second job when it comes to receiving workers’ compensation benefits. If the two jobs are similar, your employer can cut off your disability benefits by making the case that if you’re healthy enough to work your second job, you can go back to work at your first job.
If your second job does not require the same duties as your first job, you can keep receiving workers’ comp benefits while working only if your doctor has cleared you. If your doctor has not approved you returning to work, your workers’ comp disability benefits will likely be cut off. However, you will most likely keep your medical benefits.
Can You Work a Part-Time Job While on Workers’ Compensation?
If your doctor has approved you for light or modified duty, you can work part-time while receiving workers’ compensation.
Does Workers’ Comp Pay for Both Jobs If My Disability is Permanent?
In most cases, workers’ compensation will only provide wage-replacement benefits up to the income level from the job at which you were injured. Furthermore, working a second job could lead to a reduction or the elimination of your disability benefits.
Contact Our Experienced Greensboro Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Today
At Ward Black Law, we know the North Carolina workers’ compensation system can be confusing. That’s why we work to make it easy for our clients to apply for the benefits they need and help them appeal when claims are denied, undervalued, or prematurely terminated.
If you have questions about workers’ compensation in North Carolina, contact our Greensboro office today for a free consultation.