If you have sustained an on-the-job injury or developed an occupational illness, you are far from alone. In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 2.8 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in 2019 alone.
Workers’ compensation benefits provide financial compensation to injured and ill workers. If you qualify for benefits, you may receive medical care, some salary replacement and even disability-related benefits. Can you quit your job after receiving workers’ compensation benefits, though?
Qualifying for benefits
Most California employers pay into the state’s workers’ compensation system. Your eligibility for the benefits this system offers depends on your employment status at the time of your injury or illness. Therefore, quitting your job should not have an immediate effect on the workers’ compensation benefits you are currently receiving. You may run into trouble down the road, however.
Interrupting your benefits
If you quit your job when you are receiving workers’ compensation benefits, your employer may try to interrupt them or end them altogether. That is, your employer may assert you are no longer eligible for the benefits you are currently receiving because you chose to leave your employment.
Obtaining other benefits
Quitting your job voluntarily may also make it impossible for you to obtain other state benefits, such as unemployment. If you do not have another job lined up, you may have difficulty paying for medical bills and living expenses after quitting your job.
Ultimately, whether you are receiving workers’ compensation benefits, the decision to quit your job is a personal one. Still, before taking any employment-related action, you must be certain you have weighed all potential consequences.