If a claim is rejected or not paid, the employee should complete the reverse side of the Notice of Rejection (sent by the employer/carrier/the Special Fund, within 45 days of its receipt of the claim) and mail it within 26 weeks to the Disability Benefits Bureau. Where necessary, the Board will obtain further information and may hold a hearing on the claim. Benefits will be paid if a claim is determined proper and valid.
If the employer or insurance carrier disputes the claim, no cash benefits are paid until the Workers` Compensation Law Judge decides who is right. If a worker is not receiving benefits because the employer or insurance carrier is arguing that the injury is not jobrelated, he/she may be eligible for Disability Benefits in the meantime. Any payments made under the Disability Program, however, will be subtracted from future workers` compensation awards.
For further information, you can contact the Workers` Compensation Board Public Information Office at the following number.
Workers` Compensation Board
Public Information Office
(518) 4746670