Can I work and collect Second Injury Fund benefits?
Yes; however, any wages received after 450 weeks of benefits will be used to reduce the amount of benefits received. The reduction is based on the comparison of your current earnings to those received at the time you were declared totally and permanently disabled. Your new employer is entitled to reevaluate your medical condition and can possibly remove benefits.
In very limited circumstances you may earn wages while collecting Second Injury Fund benefits. However, any wages from employment will be used to reduce your benefit amount. This reduction is based upon the percentage that your current earnings bear to those at the time of your being declared permanently and totally disabled. Please note that benefits after the first 450 weeks are payable only if you (1) had submitted to the physical and/or educational rehabilitation as may be prescribed by the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, and (2) can show, that because of your continuing disability, you are unable to earn wages equal to those earned at the time of your permanent and total disability. Please be aware that you are responsible for notifying the Office of Special Compensation Funds immediately when you begin earning wages. Failure to do so may result in reductions or removal of benefits to recover some or all benefits paid during employment. You should also note that em
