Losing a loved one in a workplace accident is devastating. You may find yourself struggling to cope with grief while worrying about how to pay for daily expenses. Perhaps you depended on your loved one’s income to cover rent, utilities or your children’s needs.
Fortunately, Pennsylvania’s workers’ compensation system offers survivor benefits to help families like yours who have lost a provider. Thus, understanding how to claim them is an important first step toward financial stability during this difficult time.
Who can file for survivor benefits?
Before you begin the claims process, you need to know if you qualify for survivor benefits. Pennsylvania law identifies specific family members who can file a claim. Generally, you must prove that you depended on your loved one’s income at the time of their death.
The following individuals may be eligible for survivor benefits:
- The husband or wife of the person who died
- A child of the deceased under 18, or a student up to age 23 if they are in school full-time
- A child of any age who has a physical or mental disability
- A parent who depended on the person who died for money or living costs
- A brother or sister who is either under 18 or a full-time student under 23, and who relied on the person who died for help
If you fall into one of these categories, you may have grounds to file a claim. The next step is understanding what benefits you can receive.
What benefits can you receive?
Now that you know who qualifies, you should understand what financial support is available to you. Survivor benefits help cover both ongoing living expenses and immediate costs after your loved one’s death. Here are the main benefits you may receive:
- Weekly payments: These payments are based on a percentage of your loved one’s Average Weekly Wage, ranging from 22% to 66 2/3% depending on your relationship and dependents.
- Funeral expenses: Pennsylvania pays between $3,000 and $7,000 directly to the funeral director to help cover burial costs.
These benefits can provide meaningful financial relief as you adjust to life without your loved one. Once you understand what you may receive, you can move forward with filing your claim.
How to file your claim
To begin the process, you must file a claim with Pennsylvania’s Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. Gather documents that prove your relationship to the deceased and your financial dependence. Additionally, you will also need the death certificate and evidence of the workplace incident.
The claims process can feel overwhelming during grief. Hence, you might consider contacting a workers’ compensation attorney who can guide you through each step. An experienced lawyer helps you build a strong case, meet deadlines and protect your rights. Many attorneys are experienced with worker’s compensation so you can explore your options without added stress.