What is the waiting period for Workers Compensation benefits?

Workers' Compensation benefits are subject to a waiting period designed to minimize small claims and ensure that the injury is significant enough to warrant compensation. In Iowa, the waiting period is established as three days. This means that if an employee is unable to return to work due to a work-related injury, they must be off work for three days before benefits begin. If they are off work for more than 14 days, they may be compensated for the waiting period as well.

Choosing three days as the waiting period aligns with the state’s regulations regarding Workers' Compensation, which seeks to balance the needs of injured workers with the administrative and financial responsibilities of employers. Thus, understanding the specific time frame is critical for both employees seeking benefits and employers managing their obligations under Workers' Compensation law.