If you regularly worked overtime before you suffered an injury on the job, you may wonder whether those extra hours count when calculating your workers’ compensation benefits. In Pennsylvania, your pre-injury earnings generally determine those payments, so regular overtime may increase the amount you receive in some situations.
Here are the key factors that determine whether overtime counts.
Workers’ comp usually starts with your pre-injury wages
Workers’ compensation benefits are generally based on what you earned before your injury. That means your regular wages, along with other qualifying earnings, help determine the amount you receive while you are unable to work.
Because overtime can become part of your overall earnings, it may affect your benefits if you worked those extra hours on a consistent basis.
Regular overtime is more likely to count
Overtime worked on a consistent basis is more likely to affect your benefits than occasional extra shifts. If working longer hours was a normal part of your schedule, those earnings may better reflect what you typically brought home before your injury.
On the other hand, overtime earned only during a busy season or while occasionally covering for a coworker may not have the same impact.
Wage records help show your regular earnings
Pay records help demonstrate whether overtime was a regular part of your earnings. Documents such as pay stubs, payroll records and time sheets can help show a consistent pattern instead of isolated extra hours.
Keeping these records available can also make it easier to confirm that the wage information used for your claim accurately reflects your earnings.
Review your calculation if overtime seems to be missing
If your workers’ compensation payments seem lower than expected, reviewing the wage information used for your claim is a good first step. Comparing that information with your payroll records may show whether the calculation took your regular overtime into account.
If questions remain after reviewing your records, seeking legal guidance can help you determine whether your employer or insurer calculated your benefits correctly.