Free K-WC 140 - Death Benefit Information (Rev. 07-06) - Kansas

DIVISION OF WORKERS COMPENSATION 800 S.W. Jackson Street, Suite 600, Topeka, KS 66612-1227 Phone 785-296-2996 · Fax: 785-296-0839 · Toll Free 1-800-332-0353 Web site: www.dol.ks.gov

DEATH BENEFITS INFORMATION
TheKansasworkerscompensationlawrequires employersortheirinsurancecarrierstopayweekly benefits to surviving dependents of employees whose death results from a work-related accident. The weekly benefits are based on .6667 of the deceased's gross average weekly wage, but cannot exceed the maximum weekly benefit applicable on the date of death (or a minimum of 50 percent of the state's average weekly wage). Generally, benefits are payable to a maximum of $250,000 depending on the continued eligibility of the dependent children; $40,000 of this amount is payable immediately in a lump sum. All medical and hospital expenses incurred are payable, as well as funeral expenses up to $5,000. If the accident occurred prior to July 1, 2000, death benefits are equal to .6667 of the worker's gross average weekly wage, but cannot exceed the weekly maximum for the accident year. Generally, weekly benefits are payable to a maximum of $200,000 depending on the continued eligibility of the surviving spouse and dependent children. Medical and funeral expenses are the same as noted in the paragraph above. Children are considered dependent if unmarried and under the age of 18 on the date of the deceased's death. Children between the ages of 18 and 23 are considered dependent children if they are physically or mentally incapacitated, attending college or involved in vocational education. Dependent children can continue to receive compensation until age 18, even if the benefits exceed the statutory limit at the time of the accident. If the deceased leaves only a surviving spouse, the surviving spouse receives the entire weekly benefit. If the deceased leaves a surviving spouse and dependent children, one half of the weekly
K-WC 140 (Rev. 7-06)

benefit is paid to the spouse and one half to the children. If only children survive, the weekly benefit is divided equally among the children. If the deceased is unmarried and leaves no dependent children, then parents, grandparents, brothers or sisters who were wholly or partially dependent upon the deceased can receive compensation. However, spouses or dependent children take the exclusion of all other dependent relatives. If there is no surviving spouse or dependents, $25,000 may be divided among legal heirs of the deceased. The $25,000 is paid in a lump sum, onetime payment. If you have any questions regarding your rights under the Kansas Workers Compensation Act, contacttheOmbudsman/Claims Advisory Unit of the Division of Workers Compensation. Address: Ombudsman/Claims Advisory Unit Division of Workers Compensation 800 S.W. Jackson Street, Suite 600 Topeka, KS 66612-1227 Telephone Number: 785-296-2996 or toll free 1-800-332-0353 Web site: www.dol.ks.gov MAXIMUM WEEKLY COMPENSATION SCHEDULE Date of Accident Weekly Rate July 1, 2002 - June 30, 2003 ............. $432.00 July 1, 2003 - June 30, 2004 ............. $440.00 July 1, 2004 - June 30, 2005 ............. $449.00 July 1, 2005 - June 30, 2006 ............. $467.00 July 1, 2006 - June 30, 2007 ............. $483.00