In order to be eligible for workers’ compensation in Massachusetts, you need to have suffered a work-related injury, illness, or be a dependent of a worker killed on the job. You must have been injured or hired in Massachusetts to collect Massachusetts workers’ compensation. You must be able to show an employee-employer relationship. Unfortunately, independent contractors are not covered under the Massachusetts workers’ compensation act.
You must be disabled for 5 full or partial calendar days to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits. The days do not have to be consecutive. You have 4 years from the initial date of injury or knowledge that your injury or illness is work-related in order to file a claim. If you are disabled for less than the amount listed above, then you can file a “medical only” claim. All employees are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits in the state of Massachusetts even if:
- You are paid under the table
- You are an unpaid employee (such as an intern or volunteer)
- You’re not a U.S. citizen and do not have the paperwork to show
- You are an employee for someone who does not acquire workers’ compensation insurance
