5 Workers' Comp Benefits Most Employees Don't Know About

When you're injured at work, you probably know you're entitled to some benefits: medical treatment, maybe some disability payments. But the workers' compensation system offers more than most injured workers realize—and insurance companies aren't in the business of volunteering information.

Here are five workers' comp benefits that many employees miss out on, potentially leaving thousands of dollars on the table.

1. Subsequent Injury Fund (SIBTF) Benefits

What it is: A state fund that provides additional lifetime benefits when a new work injury combines with a pre-existing condition to create a greater level of disability.

Who qualifies: Workers whose combined permanent disability from all conditions (old and new) reaches 70% or more.

What you get: Weekly payments ranging from $290-$345+ per week, potentially for life. Over 15-20 years, this can exceed $200,000 or more.

Why people miss it:

• Insurance companies don't mention it
• "Subsequent Injury Fund" is an obscure term
• The application process is separate from your regular claim
• Many attorneys don't specialize in SIBTF claims

What to do: If you have multiple injuries or health conditions, ask your attorney about SIBTF eligibility. Learn more about Subsequent Injury Funds.

2. Supplemental Job Displacement Benefits (SJDB)

What it is: A voucher for education or skill development if your injury prevents you from returning to your old job.

Who qualifies: Workers who:

• Have permanent restrictions from their work injury
• Cannot return to their regular job with the employer
• Aren't offered modified or alternative work

What you get: In California, a voucher worth $6,000 (currently) for:

• Courses at accredited schools
• Vocational training
• Skills certification programs
• Tools and equipment required for training

Why people miss it:

• Employers sometimes offer "modified duty" just to avoid the voucher
• Workers don't know to ask for it
• The voucher has an expiration date that can pass unnoticed
• Insurance companies may not proactively offer it

What to do: If you can't return to your regular job, ask about the SJDB voucher. Make sure any "modified duty" offer is genuinely available.

3. Mileage Reimbursement for Medical Appointments

What it is: Reimbursement for travel costs to and from work comp medical appointments.

Who qualifies: Any worker traveling to medical appointments for their workers' comp injury.

What you get: Currently (2026) approximately $0.67 per mile, plus:

• Parking fees
• Bridge or road tolls
• Public transportation costs (if used)

Why people miss it:

• No one tells you about it
• The per-appointment amount seems small
• You have to track it yourself and request reimbursement
• Insurance companies don't volunteer payment

What to do: Keep a log of every medical trip—date, provider, miles driven, parking costs. Submit reimbursement requests regularly. Over months or years of treatment, this adds up to hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

4. Future Medical Care (Medical-Legal Benefit)

What it is: The right to medical treatment for your work injury for the rest of your life—as long as you don't settle and close this benefit.

Who qualifies: Any worker with an accepted work injury, unless they've signed away this right in a settlement.

What you get: All reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to your injury, forever, including:

• Doctor visits
• Surgeries
• Physical therapy
• Medications
• Medical equipment
• Diagnostic tests

Why people miss it:

• Insurance companies push for settlements that "buy out" future medical
• Workers don't understand what they're giving up
• A lump sum today looks attractive
• No one explains the lifetime value

What to do: Before signing any settlement (especially a Compromise and Release), understand whether you're closing future medical. For chronic conditions, keeping medical open is often worth far more than the buyout amount.

Example: A worker with a back injury signs a Compromise and Release that includes a $15,000 medical buyout. Over the next 20 years, they need:

• 3 epidural injections ($5,000 each = $15,000)
• Physical therapy ($200/month x 20 years = $48,000)
• Medications ($100/month x 20 years = $24,000)
• One surgery ($75,000)

Total medical costs: $162,000 — They gave this up for $15,000.

5. Permanent Disability Advances

What it is: Advance payments of permanent disability benefits before your case is fully resolved.

Who qualifies: Workers with a reported permanent disability rating who are still waiting for final resolution of their claim.

What you get: Bi-weekly payments based on your permanent disability rating, starting after your temporary disability ends.

Why people miss it:

• Workers don't know to request it
• Insurance companies prefer to delay payment
• The process isn't explained clearly
• Workers assume they must wait until the case settles

What to do: Once you have a permanent disability rating (even if disputed), ask about permanent disability advances. You shouldn't have to wait years for your case to settle before receiving any permanent disability payments.

Bonus: Benefits for Specific Situations

Death Benefits for Families

If a worker dies from a work injury, their dependents may be entitled to:

• Burial expenses (up to $10,000 in California)
• Weekly death benefits for dependents
• Total death benefits up to $320,000 or more depending on circumstances

Many families don't file because they don't realize these benefits exist or believe the employer's insurance won't pay.

Serious and Willful Misconduct Benefits

If your injury was caused by your employer's serious and willful misconduct (intentional disregard of safety), your compensation can be increased by 50%.

Examples:

• Employer knew about a dangerous condition and did nothing
• Safety equipment was removed or disabled
• Required safety training wasn't provided
• OSHA violations contributed to the injury

Most workers never pursue this even when they may qualify.

Psychological Injury Benefits

Many workers don't realize that psychological injuries—depression, anxiety, PTSD—can be compensable workers' comp claims, either as:

• Primary psychiatric injury: Mental condition caused by work stress
• Secondary psychiatric injury: Mental condition caused by a physical work injury

Police officers, firefighters, and other first responders have a presumption that PTSD is work-related, making these claims easier.

How to Ensure You Get All Your Benefits

1. Know Your Rights

The workers' comp system isn't designed to educate you—it's designed to process claims. Take responsibility for learning what you're entitled to.

2. Ask Questions

Don't assume that if a benefit exists, someone will tell you about it. Ask specifically:

• "Am I eligible for SIBTF?"
• "What about the job displacement voucher?"
• "Can I get mileage reimbursement?"
• "Should I keep future medical open?"

3. Keep Records

Document everything:

• Medical appointments and mileage
• Conversations with insurance adjusters
• Work restrictions and limitations
• Symptoms and their impact on your life

4. Consider Legal Representation

Workers' comp attorneys work on contingency (no upfront cost) and typically know about benefits that adjusters won't mention. Their fee is often more than made up by benefits they help you secure.

5. Don't Rush to Settle

Quick settlements often favor insurance companies. Taking time to understand your full benefits picture—including SIBTF, future medical, and other entitlements—usually results in better outcomes.

The Bottom Line

Workers' compensation offers more benefits than most employees realize. Insurance companies process claims—they don't advocate for you. By understanding these often-overlooked benefits, you can ensure you receive the full compensation your injury entitles you to.

Don't leave money on the table. If you're not sure whether you're getting everything you're owed, consult with a workers' compensation attorney for a free case evaluation.

This article provides general information about workers' compensation benefits. Benefits vary by state and individual circumstances. Consult with a qualified workers' compensation attorney for advice about your specific situation.