A death benefit is paid under a workers’ compensation policy. These payments are meant to cover expenses like funeral and hospital bills for the surviving spouse or partner of a deceased worker. The benefits may also be used to provide financial support for dependents. But to qualify, the death must be a result of a work-related accident. While dependents are given priority, some states have additional eligibility requirements. Read on to learn more about the benefits offered to your loved ones from the offices of a workers’ compensation death benefits lawyer Allentown, PA.
Payable to surviving spouse
If you or your spouse dies in a workplace accident, the workers’ compensation insurer may pay your surviving spouse funeral expenses. Benefit payments can last up to 450 weeks for eligible dependents, though there are limits on how much you can receive. Some states also cap the benefit amount for children and surviving spouses. If your spouse or partner died in a workplace accident, the death benefit may be paid in installments.
Covers hospital bills, funeral expenses, and lost wages
After a workplace accident, workers compensation insurance companies are required to pay death benefits. In most cases, the death benefits cover hospital bills, funeral expenses, and lost wages for the deceased worker’s spouse and dependent children. Children under the age of 18 are considered dependents, while adult children in college or disabled are eligible to receive death benefits only if they were the worker’s primary supporter. Spouses are also entitled to receive death benefits, but they must demonstrate financial dependence on the deceased worker’s income.
Requires financial dependency on deceased worker
To qualify for Ohio workers’ compensation death benefits, a decedent must have a family member or relatives who is dependent upon him or her for financial support. Depending on the circumstances, death benefits may be payable up to $5500. These benefits may also include payment for funeral expenses. In most cases, dependents must be under the age of 18 or a full-time student.
Can be paid for up to 144 weeks
In the event of the death of a worker, their dependents may receive benefits for a specified period of time. Generally, benefits are payable for up to 144 weeks for a child under age 18 or for a dependent who is in college. A spouse, surviving children, and parents of the deceased may also qualify for death benefits, but some states limit their benefits after a certain number of weeks or a certain dollar amount.
Limits on amount of benefit
There are certain limits on the workers’ compensation death benefit. These are paid to a family member or dependent adult if the worker’s death is the result of an accident or an illness. These benefits are paid until the beneficiary’s death or until all dependent family members are no longer eligible. In some cases, a family member or dependent adult child may be able to receive the benefit. For this situation, a wrongful death lawyer is necessary.