Over 40 Years Of Experience In Workers’ Compensation

What happens to your workers’ comp when you switch jobs?

On Behalf of | Apr 25, 2023 | Returning to Work

Every employee is entitled to a safe work environment. However, workplace injuries as well as work-related illnesses still happen. If you are injured at work, you may be entitled to financial restitution through your employer-sponsored workers’ compensation program.

One of the questions employees on workers’ comp grapple with is whether they will lose their benefits when they leave their current role. Perhaps, you need to change your career because your injuries can no longer allow you to perform the same duties. 

What changing jobs mean for your workers’ comp

Legally speaking, you can change jobs any time you want, even when you are receiving workers’ comp benefits courtesy of injuries sustained in your current role. However, certain laws come into play. The decision to seek another full-time or part-time job can impact the benefits you receive. 

Here are some of the things you need to know about switching jobs while on workers’ compensation benefits:

  • You cannot lose your benefits just because you switched jobs.
  • You cannot lose your benefits because you have accepted a light-duty role with your current employer.
  • You cannot lose your benefits because you took up a different, lower-paying job.

If you switch jobs while on workers’ compensation, you need to understand how this decision can impact the amount you can receive in weekly benefits. While you can receive a portion of your benefits, your weekly pay rate may not be the same.

Protecting your rights

Workers’ compensation benefits can be a sticky subject when you change jobs. Learning more about California workers’ compensation laws can help you safeguard your rights and interests while pursuing the benefits to which you are entitled.