Happy Friday Team!
This week’s tip is by special request and covers How to Suspend TTD Benefits When the Claimant Voluntarily Returns to Light Duty (very rare):
- More often than not, indemnity benefits are suspended because the authorized treating physician released the Claimant to return to full duty work. In that scenario, the Employer/Insurer must file a WC-2 Suspension of Benefits listing (1) the date benefits will be suspended (2) the reason for the suspension, (3) attached a copy of the full duty release, and (4) give the Claimant 10 days’ notice prior to suspending.
- On RARE occasions, a Claimant who is out of work and receiving TTD benefits will voluntarily return to light duty work. Do the same rules apply? NO!
HOW TO PROPERLY SUSPEND TTD BENEFITS BASED ON THE CLAIMANT’S VOLUNTARY RETURN TO LIGHT DUTY WORK
- File the WC-2 Suspension of Benefits as follows:
- Date of suspension: The date the Claimant voluntarily returned to light duty work.
- Reason for Suspension: Check box #2 – “Employee returned to work on [date they returned] with restrictions from the authorized treating physician at a pre-injury or higher rate of pay.”
- Do I have to attach a copy of any medical report?
- NO!
- Do I have to provide 10 days’ notice?
- NO!
I hope everyone has a great weekend!
Sincerely,
John Fennelly | Junior Partner