Workers’ compensation is a critical aspect of employment that safeguards workers and their families in the event of work-related injuries or death. It is an accident insurance program funded by employers.
Workers’ compensation offers key benefits like medical care, rehabilitation, and income support to employees injured on the job. These provisions aim to assist employees in returning to work as quickly and safely as possible.
Eligibility for benefits
Many workers wonder how long they must work at a job to qualify for coverage under workers’ compensation. In Georgia, you are eligible for workers’ compensation from your first day of employment. This immediate eligibility ensures that employees have protections when they start working. It applies no matter how long their job is or how many hours they work per week.
However, as in many states, workers’ compensation coverage in Georgia only applies to employees, not independent contractors. Because they are self-employed, contractors do not receive the same protections. There are options to purchase private workers’ compensation insurance to safeguard against the financial impact of work-related injuries.
Coverage requirements
Georgia law mandates that any business with three or more employees must provide workers’ compensation insurance. This includes regular part-time workers. This broad coverage requirement means most employees have coverage. Employees or job seekers can check if an employer has workers’ compensation insurance on the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation’s website.
Workers’ compensation coverage gives employees the peace of mind that they have coverage if they suffer a workplace injury. It is important for workers to be aware of their rights and the protections afforded to them under workers’ compensation law.