Are you eligible for Georgia unemployment benefits because of coronavirus related job furlough or layoff? Georgia has created a pandemic unemployment program, which makes unemployment benefits available to people who otherwise might not be eligible for these benefits. You can find out more about this Georgia Department of Labor program here.
But what should you do if you have been working or are authorized to work under light duty restrictions issued by a workers’ compensation doctor? Are you still eligible?
Generally speaking you are eligible for unemployment benefits even if you have been released light duty. However, it is crucial that you reference your light duty restrictions on your unemployment application. For example, if you have a 10 lb. lifting restriction or a 30 minute time restriction on using your right arm, these limitations should be included when you apply.
If you do not list your light duty restrictions, the workers’ compensation insurance company can later claim that you had asserted that you were ready, willing and able to work at any job, with no limitations. This can give them leverage to try to cut off your benefits or shortchange you on a settlement offer.
If you are not sure how to proceed with light duty restrictions, please feel free to reach out to me for a full explanation of potential issues that can arise from a light duty return to work.
Jodi Ginsberg
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