The stay-at-work program is an L&I program designed to give money to the employer if they bring their injured worker back to light duty or part-time work.
Program Limitations and Requirements
- State fund claims only (not self-insured)
- Reimbursement of 50% to the employer for a maximum of 66 days at work, or $10,000, whichever occurs first
- The employer must complete a job description form
- Wage calculations are limited to base wages and overtime. Does not include tips, bonuses, health care, etc;
- Reimbursement to the employer can include wages, training, tools, and clothing
- Your employer will communicate with your doctor
Is Stay at Work a Good Program?
This is a well-intentioned program. It gives employers an incentive to get their injured workers back on the job.
However, some unscrupulous employers take advantage of this program.
- An employer can be better off with you injured than with you healthy. The employer gets money, and you keep working.
- Many employers do not honor light-duty job restrictions. Some employers will send you right back to the same job. Working beyond restrictions can cause reinjury. Be careful.
