If you have filed a workers’ compensation claim in Missouri, you may have heard of the Second Injury Fund. According to the Department of Labor, the Second Injury Fund is an additional fund for injured workers who have already made a workers’ compensation claim. If you have a recent injury that complicates a previous injury or disability, then you may get benefits under the Second Injury Fund to help rehabilitate you so you may work again.
Not every injury or situation will qualify under this fund to allow you to receive benefits. There are only two categories of benefits you may qualify for if you have an injury occurring after January 1, 2014. If you were most recently injured before this date, then you may have more qualifying situations.
The two benefit categories are permanent total disability and rehabilitation. For permanent total disability benefits, you must have a qualifying previous disability that when combined with your current work injury would result in a permanent total disability. Rehabilitation benefits are available if you have suffered a serious injury and rehabilitation services can help you to heal in order to be self-sufficient.
It is important to note that if you obtain employment while receiving benefits, they will be suspended. The goal of the program is to help you heal so you can seek employment again, which should be done as fast as possible. All your care is closely monitored to ensure you are getting the most benefits from it. This information is for education and is not legal advice.