Benefits

Provided under Tennessee workers’ compensation law

Employees who have suffered a compensable injury, meaning that the authorized treating physician has determined it to be work-related, may be entitled to receive the medical and wage replacement benefits as prescribed by the Tennessee workers’ compensation law. 

This Bureau does not provide workers' compensation benefits. These benefits are provided by your employer through their insurance provider or a third-party administrator (TPA). The employer, or their workers' compensation insurance company, will calculate the benefit amount based on the employee’s pre-injury average weekly wage. Tennessee law establishes a minimum and maximum benefit amount to help minimize financial hardships.

Two Types of Benefits

There are two main types of benefits:

  • Medical care for work-related injuries and illnesses; and, 
  • Partial wage replacement for employees who are unable to work; or continue to work but earn less pay while recovering from their injuries. 

Receiving your benefits

All workers’ compensation benefits shall be issued timely to assure the injured employees receive the benefits on or before the date they are due. Unpaid or untimely paid benefits may be subject to a penalty.

Temporary disability payments for a compensable work-related injury or illness must be paid by the insurance company and paid to the injured employee no later than fifteen (15) days after notice of injury. 

Temporary and part-time workers may be eligible to receive benefits; and, you don’t have to be a legal resident of the United States to receive most of them.

Need More Help?

If you have additional questions, please call 615-532-4812 or 800-332-2667 or contact us by email at wc.info@tn.gov. Find out about other available assistance programs by contacting an ombudsman