Can You Retire While on Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ compensation benefits are a crucial financial lifeline for many people who suffer on-the-job injuries. But unfortunately, they only go so far. If you are nearing retirement age or your injuries left you unable to work permanently, you may be wondering if you can claim retirement benefits while still collecting workers’ compensation.
There’s no easy answer to this question without knowing more about your specific circumstances. Keep reading for general information on workers’ compensation and retirement in Arizona. For personalized advice, call or contact an Arizona workers’ compensation lawyer at Matt Fendon Law Group for a free consultation.
Can I Retire If I am on Workers’ Compensation in Arizona?
You can retire whenever you choose, but you may not necessarily be able to collect retirement benefits and workers’ compensation at the same time. Workers’ compensation benefits replace a portion of the income you can no longer earn due to an injury or illness. Depending on your situation, you may lose certain workers’ compensation benefits because you chose to retire instead of returning to work.
Voluntary vs. Involuntary Retirement
The key factor that determines whether you keep workers’ compensation benefits upon retirement is whether your retirement is voluntary or involuntary. If your work injury is so severe that you are totally disabled, you will likely be able to keep your workers’ compensation wage-replacement benefits even after you retire because you are not choosing to give up income you might have been able to earn.
On the other hand, if you choose to retire when you are still of working age or while your medical condition could still improve, you likely will not be able to keep your wage-loss benefits. Your employer’s insurance company will argue that you are no longer losing income due to your injuries if you opt for retirement, and they should no longer be required to pay you workers’ comp benefits.
How Would Retirement Affect My Workers’ Comp?
In some cases, you may still be able to collect Social Security retirement or disability benefits along with workers’ compensation benefits. But collecting those benefits could reduce the amount you receive in workers’ compensation benefits. Various types of benefits count against each other in complicated ways. For this reason, it’s smart to consult an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer if you’re considering retirement or must retire due to a workplace injury.
Will My Injury-Related Bills Still Be Covered After Retirement?
Workers’ compensation covers all medical bills related to a job-related injury until you fully recover or reach maximum medical improvement (the point where further treatment will not improve your condition). The insurer should still pay your medical bills after you retire until you reach either of those points.
Consult an Arizona Workers’ Comp Attorney to Know Your Options
Do you have questions or concerns about how retirement may impact your workers’ compensation benefits? Contact Matt Fendon Law Group today for a free consultation with an Arizona workers’ compensation attorney.
