You rely on workers’ compensation checks to pay rent, buy groceries and cover other bills while you recover from a work injury. When those payments suddenly stop or shrink, it can put real pressure on you and your family.
In Minnesota, insurers must follow notice rules when they reduce or stop wage-loss benefits. One common document is a Notice of Intention to Discontinue Workers’ Compensation Benefits, often called a NOID. Understanding what this form says can help you decide what to do next.
Why your checks may have stopped
The NOID should state the reason for the change, and the insurer may rely on medical records or other information in deciding to stop or reduce benefits.
Common reasons may include:
- You returned to your job at your pre-injury wage.
- A doctor released you to work without restrictions.
- Your restrictions changed, and the insurer believes work is available.
- The insurer believes you did not cooperate with vocational rehabilitation.
- You reached maximum medical improvement or MMI.
The reason listed on the form can affect what information you need to gather and how quickly you need to respond.
How quickly you may need to act
If you disagree with the stoppage, read the NOID right away. In many cases, you have 12 calendar days after the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) receives it to request an administrative conference to challenge the proposed discontinuance. The document should list the deadline and instructions.
DLI handles administrative conference requests through its dispute resolution process. If the parties do not resolve the dispute there, either side can request a formal hearing, which is typically held at the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) before a workers’ compensation judge.
If you miss the conference deadline, you still might be able to contest the discontinuance through other procedures, but getting a decision could take longer.
Save records that show why benefits should continue
Keep the NOID and its postmarked envelope. Additionally, save all medical records, work restriction forms, pay stubs, notes about missed work and communications with your employer or adjuster, such as emails and text messages.
Protecting your income during recovery
A stopped check does not always end your right to benefits. You can help protect your claim and avoid unnecessary delays by reading the notice carefully, keeping your records organized and acting quickly if you disagree.
