This toolkit tells you what you can do if you got sick or injured from the work you do. For general information about workers’ compensation benefits, read the Articles on this page. Review the Common Questions if you have a specific question.
You'll find links to legal aid offices and lawyer referral services under Find A Lawyer. If there is a Self-Help Center in your area you can get more help there. If you need something other than legal help, look in Community Services. If you need a fee waiver, an interpreter, a court to accommodate your disability, or more information about going to court, visit Going to Court.
Common Questions
Workers' compensation benefits help people who get hurt or sick from the work they do. Sick or injured workers can get medical care, wage loss benefits, and vocational rehabilitation (VR). Most employers pay for workers' compensation insurance or are authorized to be self-insured.
To learn more, read An Overview of Worker’s Compensation Benefits.
The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, Workers' Disability Compensation Agency (Agency) is in charge of administering those claims.
All public (government) employers are subject to the Michigan Workers' Disability Compensation Act (Act). Private (non-government) employers who regularly have three or more workers are also subject to it. If a private employer only has one worker, but that worker worked at least 35 hours a week for 13 of the last 52 weeks, that employer is subject to the Act. There are exceptions for employers who don’t meet this standard but are part of certain industries. Some examples of industries where employers may still be subject to the Act are agriculture, housekeeping, and real estate. Employers not subject to the Act can still get workers’ compensation insurance.
If you have questions about whether your employer must offer benefits, you may want to speak with a lawyer. Use the Guide to Legal Help to find lawyers in your area. You can also contact the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, Workers' Disability Compensation Agency.