Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Idaho
Ask your employer for a copy of the claim form to report a work injury or illness to your employer. Many state workers compensation agencies have a standardized claim form as well. Follow the instructions on the form, complete the "employee" section" and sign and date it. Make sure you keep a copy for your records. The employer will fill out the "employer" section. You can submit the form to your employer in person or by mail, but if you use mail it is usually recommended to send it by certified mail (return receipt requested) so you have a record of the date it was mailed and received.
If you become injured at work, you should immediately file a worker’s compensation claim, but you should not proceed on such a claim without the help of an attorney who specializes in workmen’s comp insurance claims in the state of Idaho.
Idaho Workers’ Compensation Waiting Period
An employee of the state of Idaho who is expected to work at least 20 hours per week, or 84 hours per month, and at least 5 months during any 12 consecutive month period is eligible to participate in any of the group insurance coverage sponsored by the state. Their spouses and dependent children may also be eligible for coverage.
The effective date of coverage is the first of the month following the date of hire, provided an enrollment form is completed within 30 days following the hire date.
The plan year for medical, dental, and vision coverage is July 1st to June 30th.
Idaho Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Full medical benefits are provided to employees entitled to worker's compensation benefits, with no time or monetary limits. The employer selects the initial physician who will provide care, with the choice being subject to change by the state agency.
Payments are made for temporary total disability (TTD) in an amount determined by a percentage of the worker's wage, subject to weekly maximum and minimum payment amounts. After 52 weeks, payments are based upon a percentage of the state's average weekly wage. Payments continue for the duration of the disability.
Payments are made for permanent total disability (PTD) based upon a percentage of the worker's wage, subject to weekly minimum and maximum payment amounts. Payments for PTD continue for the duration of the disability.
Payments for permanent partial disability (PPD) are made based upon a percentage of the worker's wage, subject to a weekly maximum payment amount. Depending upon the extent of the disability, payments for PPD may continue for up to 500 weeks.
Scheduled awards are paid in addition to total temporary disability benefits starting upon termination of the termination of the TTD benefits. Scheduled awards are not reduced because of receipt of TTD benefits.
Disfigurement may be considered when determining the percentages of permanent disability less than total.
Physical and vocational rehabilitation benefits are available.
With certain constraints and filing deadlines, occupational hearing losses may be compensable.
Death benefits are payable to an employee's surviving spouse, or spouse and children, based upon a percentage of the employee's wages, subject to a cap. A minimum benefit is provided regardless of the employee's earnings. Certain expenses for transportation of the employee’s body and burial allowance are available.
Idaho Workers’ Compensation Contact Information
R.D. Maynard, Chairman
Industrial Commission
317 Main Street
P. O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0041
(208) 334-6000 (208) 334-6000 or 1-800-950-2110 1-800-950-2110
(Contact Nancy Breeson)
NOTICE: These questions and answers concern Idaho law only, and should not be construed nor relied upon as reflecting the law in other States, nor as giving legal advice. You are warned that circumstances often vary greatly and that, due to changing decisions and law, the answers to these questions may change over time and not be current, and you should consult an attorney in any specific case, and NOT rely on these questions and answers as giving anything other than general information.
