What Happens When Your Connecticut Workers Comp Benefits Run Out

Getting hurt on the job is stressful enough without worrying about what comes next financially. If you’ve been receiving workers’ compensation benefits in Connecticut and they’re about to end, you might be wondering: “Now what?”

The good news? Your options might not be over yet.

What Happens When Your Connecticut Workers Comp Benefits Run Out?

Here’s the deal: when your permanent partial disability benefits run out, you might find yourself in one of two tough spots:

• You still can’t work – Your injury is still keeping you from doing your job
• You’re back to work but making less money – You can work, but not in the same capacity, and you’re earning less than before you got hurt

If either of these situations sound familiar, you might qualify for something called 308a benefits (also called discretionary benefits). Think of these as “backup benefits” that can help bridge the gap.

What Are 308a Benefits and How Much Do You Get?

Here’s how 308a benefits work in plain English:

The Money: You get 75% of the difference between what you’re earning now and what you were earning before your injury – but it’s calculated after taxes. So if you were making $1,000 per week before your injury and now you can only make $600 per week, you’d get 75% of that $400 difference.

How Long: You can receive these benefits for up to the same number of weeks you got your permanent partial disability benefits – sometimes less, but never more.

The Catch: You have to prove you’re either unable to work or that you’re earning less because of your work injury.

You get 75% of the difference between what you’re earning now and what you were earning before your injury – but it’s calculated after taxes. (This is outlined in Connecticut General Statute 31-308a.)

How Do You Get These Benefits?

You can’t just call up and ask for 308a benefits. You need to:

1. Request a hearing at your local Workers’ Compensation district office
2. Prove your case – show that your injury is still affecting your ability to earn money
3. Be patient – this isn’t automatic; you have to go through the hearing process

The Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Commission has detailed information and forms available to help you understand the process. You’ll likely need to file additional paperwork beyond your original claim.

The Bottom Line

If your workers’ comp benefits are ending but you’re still dealing with the financial impact of your injury, don’t assume you’re out of options. These additional benefits exist for exactly this reason – to help workers who are still struggling financially because of a workplace injury.

Need help with your Connecticut workers’ compensation case? Our board-certified attorneys know how to navigate these complex situations and can help determine if you qualify for additional benefits. Contact our office today for a consultation.