Posted by Katrina Paglierani on Fri, Feb 12, 2010 @ 05:52 AM
Job Finding Services are perfect for those Texas Workers compensation cases where the injured worker is receiving SIBS. Those injured workers, or claimants, receiving SIBS are REQUIRED to look for and accept suitable employment.
The qualifications for this program are a perfect match for a typical case that benefits from Job finding services. 15% or more impairment rating, physically demanding, relatively high paying blue collar positions.
The limit for benefits is 401 weeks from the date of injury, approximately 7.5 years.
http://www.tdi.state.tx.us/pubs/wcreg/2-1.html
Case Example:
Assuming a back injury with impairment rating of 15% or more.
Over 45% of back injuries with a rating of 15% or more go the full 104 weeks before reaching statuatory MMI. Then, assuming this impairment rating, IIB benefits would be paid for 45 weeks. Then the injured worker can apply for SIBS, which could continue for an additional 252 weeks of payments before reaching the 401 week limit.
Therefore, using the current average weekly wage of 773/wk, payments of 618.40 would be paid before reaching the 401 week threshold. A total of $155,836.80 in SIBS payments to the injured worker.
Keep in mind, only 69% of these cases go the 104 weeks before reaching MMI, so the SIBS payments could begin earlier, and last longer.
See below, information taken form the Texas site with regard to Workers compensation SIBS program.
Changes to the Supplemental Income Benefits Application Process - for SIBs qualifying periods beginning on or after July 1, 2009.
Supplement Income Benefits (SIBs) are income benefits that you apply for quarterly (4 times per year, or every 3 months) and are paid monthly to injured employees that meet specific eligibility requirements.
You may be entitled to SIBs if you meet the following entitlement requirements:
- you have an impairment rating of 15 percent or more;
- you have not returned to work because of your impairment, or you have returned to work but are earning less than 80 percent of the average weekly wage because of the impairment;
- you have made a good faith effort to find a job that matches your abilities to work; and
- you did not take your impairment income benefits in a lump sum payment.
Texas has some very specific requirements with regard to the injured worker seeking re-employment. Each time they apply for their SIBS benefits (quarterly) they are required to supply details of their search for work. Our
Posted by Katrina Paglierani on Mon, Nov 23, 2009 @ 02:02 PM
What percentage of your employees are out on workers comp?
Please take the time to participate in our poll (survey) You may be interested in and surprised by the results.
I also invite you to share and comment as well.
http://www.nationaljobfinders.com/poll-question/ or
click here
Posted by Katrina Paglierani on Wed, Nov 04, 2009 @ 03:27 PM
This blog entry has more questions than answers, but I think it may be food for thought. I seem to be reading conflicting information about how the Economy may be affecting claims adjusters. If anyone has insight or an opinion, please let me know. Send comments to Katrina@Nationaljobfinders.com
I read an article today about the future expected shortage of claims adjusters. It was stated, in claimsmag.com that there will be a shortage of 84000 claims adjusters by the year 2014. My first thought was that those in this field should feel a sense of well being or security based on this. Next, because I have teenage children, I started to wonder whether or not I would steer my children towards this as a career choice. After all, 2014 gives us time to start filling that "funnel" of graduates that would have skills or tendencies toward this type of position. Furthermore, as a "first job", the pay is comparatively good.
On the other hand, I have noticed that there are also signs of claims adjusters being laid off or let go currently. Those left behind are taking on more and more cases, in addition to the new administrative responsibilities that come with each new law, rule, or reporting requirement.
What I am left wondering is the following:
Are companies taking action to fill this impending Gap in staff? Are they planning to oursource much of these duties, or do they
plan to take on new claims adjusters?
What are claims adjusters feeling now?
Would they recommend this type of position to their children graduating from college in the next 4 or 5 years.