Federal & State Regulations | Workers’ compensation - Vermont

State Info

Summary of differences between federal and state regulations

There is no federal workers’ compensation requirement for most private employers.

Insurance requirement: Self-insurance by private carrier or individual employer.

Exemptions from WC: Agricultural employers with a payroll of less than $2,000 in a calendar year.

Medical benefits provided: Full.

Physician selection: Employer selects physician.

Benefits for temporary total disability (TTD): 66 2/3 percent of worker’s wage for duration of disability. Additional $10 will be paid for each dependent under 21 years of age.

Benefits for permanent total disability (PTD): 66 2/3 percent of worker’s wage for duration of disability with a minimum of 330 weeks.

Benefits for permanent partial disability (PPD): 66 2/3 percent for up to 330 weeks.

Scheduled awards: Scheduled awards are paid in addition to and upon termination of TTD benefits. Awards are not reduced because of TTD benefits.

Disfigurement benefits: Compensation and percentage of loss for permanent impairment of any physical function not specifically mentioned shall be determined by the Commissioner of Labor and Industry.

Death benefits for surviving spouse and children: 66 2/3 percent of employee’s wage for spouse alone, 71 2/3 for a spouse with one child, and 76 2/3 for spouse with children for period of widow/widowerhood until age 62; children until 18. Children receive benefits beyond 18 if disabled or if full time students.

Maximum burial allowance: $5,500. An additional amount not to exceed $1,000 will be paid for out-of-state transportation of decedent to place of burial.

Waiting period: 3 days (total disability only). Compensation is retroactive if disability continues for 7 days from date of injury.

Rehabilitation: Physical rehabilitation is covered under medical services. Employer covers vocational rehabilitation (VR) costs, books, tools, board, lodging, and travel if travel is required. Employee must accept VR nd meet VR plan obligations or compensation may be suspended. During VR employee received TTD plus books, tools, board, and lodging, and travel if away from home.

Attorney fees: 20 percent, maximum $9,000, hourly rate $90, policy.

Occupational hearing loss statutes: Employee has 1 year to file for compensation. Compensation for one ear is $41,080; for both ears it is $142,200. There is a deduction for preexisting loss.

Forms - http://labor.vermont.gov/?TabId=133

What’s new - http://labor.vermont.gov/?TabId=154