If you’ve been injured at work, one of your first questions is probably, “How long does it take to get my workers’ comp check?” You’re not alone—medical bills and lost wages add up quickly, and waiting for benefits can be stressful.
The short answer is: it depends on your case and your employer’s insurance process. In Michigan, the first workers’ compensation check typically arrives within a few weeks, but delays are common. At Aiello Law Group, we’ve helped thousands of injured workers understand their rights, file claims correctly, and recover benefits faster.
Let’s break down how the payment timeline works and what can affect how quickly you receive your workers’ comp check.
The Basic Workers’ Compensation Timeline
Under Michigan law, employers are required to provide workers’ compensation coverage for most employees. If you’re hurt on the job or develop a work-related illness, you’re entitled to medical care and a portion of your lost wages.
Here’s what usually happens after an injury:
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You report your injury
You must notify your employer of your injury as soon as possible, ideally within a few days. They’ll then submit a report to their workers’ compensation insurance provider. -
Your employer or insurer reviews your claim
Once your claim is filed, the insurance company investigates to determine whether your injury qualifies for benefits. They may request medical records or statements. -
Benefits approval and first payment
If your claim is approved, you should start receiving weekly payments after a short waiting period, usually within two to three weeks of your last day worked. -
Ongoing payments
Workers’ comp checks are typically paid every week while you remain disabled and unable to work. If you return to work part-time, your benefits may adjust accordingly.
This process sounds straightforward, but in reality, many workers experience delays or disputes that slow down the timeline.
Factors That Affect How Long It Takes
The time it takes to receive your workers’ compensation check depends on several key factors, including the complexity of your case and how quickly each step is handled.
How soon you report your injury
The clock doesn’t start ticking until you tell your employer about your injury. Waiting too long can delay your benefits or even give the insurer a reason to question your claim.
Employer and insurer responsiveness
Some employers file reports immediately; others take days or weeks. Insurance carriers may also request additional documents or schedule independent medical exams before approving your claim.
Medical documentation
Strong, clear medical records are essential. If your doctor’s notes don’t fully explain your limitations or how the injury happened, your claim may be delayed while additional evidence is gathered.
Type and severity of injury
Minor injuries with short recovery times often move quickly through the system. More serious or long-term disabilities, however, tend to require more review and can take longer to process.
Disputes or appeals
If your employer or insurer questions whether the injury was work-related or whether you can still perform certain tasks, payments may be suspended until the issue is resolved. That’s where legal representation becomes critical.
When to Expect Your First Check
In most Michigan workers’ compensation cases, benefits start after seven days of disability. If you remain unable to work for more than 14 days, you’ll usually be paid retroactively for the first week as well.
Once your claim is approved, your first check should arrive within two to four weeks. If you’ve already been out of work longer than that and haven’t received anything, it’s time to reach out for help.
An experienced workers’ compensation lawyer can determine whether your employer or insurance carrier is violating timelines and can pressure them to release payment promptly.
What to Do If Your Check Is Delayed
If you’re still wondering how long it takes to get a workers’ comp check because yours hasn’t arrived, don’t panic—but don’t wait too long, either. You can take these steps to protect yourself:
- Follow up with your employer or HR department to confirm your claim was filed correctly.
- Check with your doctor to ensure all required medical reports were sent to the insurer.
- Keep copies of everything—injury reports, medical bills, and communication with the insurance company.
- Contact an attorney if your payments are delayed, denied, or suddenly stopped.
At Aiello Law Group, we’ve seen nearly every type of delay and know how to get the process back on track. We can contact the insurer directly, gather missing records, and, if necessary, file a formal appeal to protect your benefits.
How Aiello Law Group Helps Injured Workers
For over four decades, Aiello Law Group has been a trusted advocate for injured workers throughout Michigan. Our attorneys combine compassion with deep knowledge of workers’ compensation law. This ensures that our clients are treated fairly and paid what they’re owed.
When you work with us, you can expect:
- Personalized guidance through every step of your claim or appeal
- Hands-on communication with your employer and the insurance carrier
- No upfront fees: You don’t pay us unless we help you recover benefits
- Proven results: Our firm has achieved high success rates in workers’ compensation and disability cases
We understand how stressful it is to be injured and unable to work. That’s why our mission is simple—to help you secure financial stability and peace of mind.
Get Help with Your Workers’ Compensation Claim
If your injury keeps you from working and you’re still waiting for your benefits, you don’t have to fight alone. The team at Aiello Law Group is ready to step in and get your case moving.
We’ll review your claim, handle the communication with your employer and insurer, and make sure you receive every dollar you’re entitled to under Michigan law. Call Aiello Law Group today at (248) 281-4247 or contact us online for a consultation.
