Can You Work While on Workers’ Compensation?

Did you know that nearly 2.6 million nonfatal workplace injuries were reported in the U.S. in just one year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics? Many of these injured workers depend on workers' compensation to get by. 

But here’s a question many people ask: Can you still work while getting workers’ compensation benefits? The answer is not as simple as “yes” or “no”—it depends on your situation. This article explains how it works in a way that’s easy to understand.

What Is Workers’ Compensation?

Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that gives money and medical help to workers who get hurt or sick because of their job. Every state has different rules, but most provide:

• Medical treatment for the injury or illness
  
  
• Wage replacement while you recover
  
  
• Rehabilitation support if you can’t go back to your old job
  
  
• Disability benefits if you have long-term damage
  
  

It’s designed to help you while you’re healing. But what if you’re not fully disabled and still want to work some hours?

Can You Work While on Workers' Compensation?

The short answer is: Yes, but with limits. Whether or not you can work depends on your doctor’s orders and your physical ability after your injury.

1. Light-Duty or Part-Time Work

Sometimes your doctor may say you can do “light-duty” work or fewer hours. That means you can work, but not do anything that might hurt you more. This could mean:

• A desk job instead of a physical one
  
  
• Fewer hours than your normal shift
  
  
• Tasks that don’t require lifting, standing, or other physical work
  
  

This kind of work is allowed and may even be encouraged. However, it’s very important to follow your doctor’s instructions.

2. Working a Second Job or Freelance

If you had a second job before you were hurt, or if you want to do freelance or side work, be careful. If you earn income while receiving workers’ comp without telling your insurance provider, it could be considered fraud.

You must report any extra income to your employer’s insurance company. Even if the new job is something small like online tutoring, dog walking, or delivery work—you must let them know.

How Many Hours Can You Work on Workers’ Compensation?

There is no set number of hours you’re allowed to work while receiving workers' comp. Instead, it depends on:

• What your doctor allows.
  
  
• Your injury and ability to perform tasks.
  
  
• Your employer’s willingness to give you suitable tasks.
  
  

The insurance company will adjust your benefits depending on how much money you’re earning from work. If you’re making less than you did before the injury, workers' comp may make up the difference with partial wage replacement.

Reporting Work and Income Is a Must

The most important thing to remember is: Always be honest.

If you start working—even part-time or from home—you must tell:

• Your employer.
  
  
• Your workers’ comp insurance company.
  
  
• Your doctor (so they can confirm it’s safe).
  
  

Failing to report can lead to investigations, stopping of your benefits, or even criminal charges. Transparency is key to protecting your health and your benefits.

Why Some People Get Into Trouble

Many workers think that doing a few hours of side work while healing won’t hurt anything. But the insurance companies may keep a close watch. They sometimes:

• Hire investigators.
  
  
• Look at your social media.
  
  
• Talk to coworkers and neighbors.
  
  

If they find out you’re working when you said you weren’t, or doing tasks your doctor restricted, they can stop payments or sue for fraud.

What Happens If Your Employer Offers Modified Work?

If your employer offers you a light-duty job that fits your doctor’s restrictions, you must try it. If you refuse, your workers’ comp benefits could be stopped.

Here’s how it usually works:

• Your doctor says what type of work you can do.
  
  
• Your employer finds a matching role.
  
  
• You return to work with limited tasks and hours.
  
  

If the job is too hard or painful, go back to your doctor to update your restrictions. Don’t try to “tough it out”—that can cause more injury and possibly end your benefits.

Tips for Working While on Workers’ Compensation

1. Talk to your doctor often – Keep them updated on your condition
   
   
2. Follow medical restrictions – Don’t lift, bend, or overwork if you’re not supposed to
   
   
3. Keep records of work and pay – This helps track how it affects your benefits
   
   
4. Be honest with your employer – They may work with you to create a safe job
   
   
5. Report any job changes or extra work – This keeps you out of legal trouble
   
   

When You Should Talk to a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

The system can be confusing, and mistakes can cost you your benefits. A workers compensation lawyer can help if:

• Your claim gets denied.
  
  
• Your employer refuses to offer light-duty work.
  
  
• You think you’re being watched or accused of fraud.
  
  
• You’re unsure how much you can work or earn.
  
  

At RIE Law, our experienced legal team is here to protect your rights and ensure you get the support you deserve while you heal.

Final Thoughts

You can work while on workers’ compensation—if your doctor approves it and you’re honest about your income. Working light-duty or part-time may even help you recover faster by staying active and motivated. But be careful.

Always report your work and follow your medical restrictions. When in doubt, speak with a workers' compensation attorney who can guide you through the process.

Need help protecting your rights? Contact us today at RIE Law.