The Department reduced my benefits because my oldest son turned 18. Can they do that?

Q: I have been receiving time loss benefits for ten years. Last month the Department reduced my benefits because my oldest son turned 18. Can they do that?

A: The short answer is yes, they can. However, it is important to know whether or not your son, although 18, is still attending school full-time. If your son has not yet graduated, or has gone from high school to college and is attending college full time, you can have that reduced benefit reinstated. A dependent child who continues to be enrolled in school full-time can still qualify you for their assigned percentage (2% of wages at the time of injury) until they reach the age of 21. A statement from the registrar of the college or school he is attending confirming enrollment should be sufficient. If you have any further questions, feel free to call an attorney who handles worker’s compensation claims.