The recent government shutdown has many people concerned about which programs will continue and which programs will be suspended indefinitely. Workman’s Comp is no different. Many people who receive Workman’s Comp have been wondering if they will still get their benefits or if they will have to find some other avenue of covering a portion of their bills. This is the same question that many individuals are asking who depend on the federal government for employment benefits or assistance of virtually any type. The short answer is that for the time being, Workman’s Comp will continue as scheduled. However, it should be noted that there are no simple answers regarding the government shutdown. There are, however, many gray areas.
Most of the gray areas occur regarding federal employees who are receiving Workman’s Comp before the government shutdown occurred. Private employees who are receiving Workman’s Comp are scheduled to receive their benefits without delay at this time. However, many federal employees who are currently working find themselves either forced off of work until the government shutdown is resolved or they are working without pay. It stands to reason that any federal employee who is currently working and is not being paid can expect not to be paid if they are receiving Workman’s Comp. This is one of the many gray areas that has occurred regarding the government shutdown and many individuals who are directly in the center of this calamity have little knowledge about how they will ultimately be affected.
The other problem is that even more ominous things can happen if the government shutdown is not resolved rapidly. The government will default if the issue is not resolved by mid October. If this is allowed to occur there is a great deal of uncertainty about how many government programs will be affected, including Workman’s Comp. Virtually every individual from federal employees to senior citizens are deeply concerned about whether or not they will receive benefits if the government defaults. Unfortunately, it is largely up to the federal government to decide which programs, if any, will be funded. This means that virtually every individual is at the mercy of the people in Washington to decide their fate. There is also the very real problem of finding a way to fund government programs in the event that there is no money to fund the programs with, which is what will happen if a default is allowed to occur.
In closing, anyone who is receiving Workman’s Comp who is concerned about their ability to continue to receive benefits should contact the Law Offices of Oliver C. Minott with any questions they may have. Having proper legal representation is vitally important at any time, but it is especially important during this time of uncertainty.