Workers’ compensation and mental health benefits are different but often conflated. When an employee is injured on the job, they are typically covered by workers’ compensation. If a mental health condition causes the injury, they may also be eligible for mental health benefits. However, these are two separate things.
It’s essential to know the difference between workers’ compensation and mental health benefits and your rights as an employee. Keep reading to learn more about this important topic!
What is workers’ compensation?
Workers’ compensation is a system of insurance that provides benefits to workers who are injured on the job. Workers’ compensation pays for medical expenses, lost wages, and other benefits. It is typically mandatory in most states, so employers must provide their employees with coverage.
What are mental health benefits?
Mental health benefits are different from workers’ compensation. Health insurance companies typically provide mental health benefits. They cover the cost of treatment for mental health conditions, including therapy, medication, and hospitalization. Mental health benefits are not mandatory, but some employers offer them as part of their benefits package.
What should you do if you have a mental health issue?
If you have a mental health issue, you should first speak to your doctor. Your doctor can help you determine if you have a mental health condition and, if so, what treatment options are available. If you have health insurance, your doctor can also help you determine what mental health benefits are available to you.
Your doctor may also refer you to a mental health specialist, such as a therapist or counsellor. Mental health specialists can provide counselling and therapy to help you manage your mental health condition.
How can you get help if you’re struggling with mental health at work?
If you’re struggling with mental health at the workplace, you can do a few things. First, talk to your supervisor or HR department. They may be able to provide you with some resources, such as an employee assistance program or a referral to a mental health specialist.
You can also reach out to a mental health helpline. These helplines provide confidential counselling and support. They can also help you determine what resources are available in your area.
What are your rights as an employee?
You have the right to a safe and healthy work environment. If you are injured on the job, you have the right to receive workers’ compensation. If a mental health condition causes your injury, you may also be eligible for mental health benefits.
You also have the right to talk to your employer about your mental health. You can ask for reasonable accommodations, such as a change in your job duties or schedule, to help you cope with your condition.
You also have the right to file a complaint if you feel like your employer is discriminating against you because of your mental health condition.
What should you do if you think your employer is violating your rights?
If you think your employer is violating your rights, you should contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The EEOC is a federal agency that investigates workplace discrimination complaints.
You can also contact your state’s workers’ compensation board or department of labour. Each state has its laws and regulations regarding workers’ compensation and discrimination.
Bottom line
Workers’ compensation and mental health benefits are different but often conflated. It’s essential to know the difference between the two and your rights as an employee.
If you have a mental health issue, you should first speak to your doctor. You also have the right to talk to your employer about your mental health condition and to ask for reasonable accommodations. If you think your employer is violating your rights, you should contact the EEOC, your state’s workers’ compensation board, or the department of labour.
If you are an employee dealing with a mental health issue, you have the right to workers’ compensation and mental health benefits. Workers’ compensation can help you cover the cost of treatment, while mental health benefits can provide you with the time off you need to recover. To learn more about your rights as an employee, call the Law Offices of DYS at (310) 473-2355.
