Funeral and Burial Expense Coverage
In New Jersey, when a worker dies due to a job-related injury or illness, the state’s workers’ compensation law provides financial assistance for funeral and burial expenses. Specifically, up to $5,000 is available to cover these costs.
As we mentioned, this amount is payable to the individual or entity that incurs the funeral expenses, such as a family member or the estate. If the funeral costs are less than $5,000, the actual amount spent will be reimbursed. In cases where no payment has been made yet, the funds can be directly disbursed to the funeral service provider.
Duration of Death Benefit Payments
In New Jersey, workers’ compensation death benefits are generally payable to dependents for up to 450 weeks. However, certain circumstances may warrant extensions beyond this period. For instance, if a surviving spouse remains dependent and does not remarry, benefits may continue beyond the initial 450 weeks.
Similarly, dependent children may receive benefits until they reach the age of 18, or up to age 23 if enrolled as full-time students. These provisions ensure ongoing financial support to dependents affected by a work-related death.
Time Limits for Filing a Death Benefits Claim
Dependents must file a formal claim petition for workers’ compensation death benefits within two years of the worker’s death or the last payment of compensation, whichever is later. This statute of limitations is strictly enforced, and failing to file within this period may result in the loss of eligibility for benefits.
