New Rule Allows Injured Michigan Workers to be Paid Electronically

Contact: Jason Moon 517-373-9280
Agency: Workers' Compensation Agency

March 7, 2013 - Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) Director Steve Arwood announced good news for injured Michigan workers receiving workers' compensation payments. A new rule filed by the Michigan Workers' Compensation Agency (WCA) allows injured workers to receive their weekly payments electronically.

 

"This new rule is part of our effort to modernize government and improve our customer service. Moving to a paperless environment will reduce costs and increase timeliness," said Arwood. "Injured Michigan workers will now be able to receive their earned benefits quicker and more efficiently."

 

The WCA's rule, which is effective immediately, amends the Michigan Administrative Code and allows electronic transfers or direct deposits to a claimant's financial institution account or debit card. Workers will still be able to receive their payments by check.

 

"Each year, more than $1 billion in workers' compensation benefits are distributed to injured workers in Michigan and until today, all of those benefits were made by paper check. Now they can be paid electronically," said WCA Director Kevin Elsenheimer.

 

To view the WCA's new rule visit: www.michigan.gov/documents/wca/wca_rule408.48_413293_7.pdf.

Michigan's injured workers and their employers are governed by the Workers' Disability Compensation Act. This Act was first adopted in 1912 and provides compensation to workers who suffer an injury on the job and protects employers' liability. The mission of the Workers' Compensation Agency is to efficiently administer the Act and provide prompt, courteous and impartial service to all customers.

 

For more information about LARA, please visit www.michigan.gov/lara

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