“What benefits do injured workers receive under WCA?”
This article explains, in plain language, the different types of compensation and support injured workers may receive, how the system works, and how TechAcc can assist employers to stay compliant.
-
What Is the WCA and Why Does It Matter?
The WCA protects employees who suffer injuries or contract occupational diseases while performing their work duties. Instead of suing their employer directly, injured workers claim from the Compensation Fund managed by the Department of Employment and Labour.
For employers, the Act creates a no-fault system: if you are registered and pay your annual assessments, the Fund covers claims. For employees, it means financial support and medical treatment when they need it most.
-
Who Qualifies for Benefits?
Most employees working under a contract of service in South Africa are covered, including full-time, part-time, and temporary staff. The only major exclusions are certain domestic workers employed in private households (although coverage is expanding). If you are unsure, TechAcc can help check your workforce status and register the correct employees.
-
The Main Benefits Available to Injured Workers
When a worker is injured at work or diagnosed with an occupational disease, the WCA offers a range of benefits. Below is an outline of the most important ones.
a) Medical Expenses
The Compensation Fund covers reasonable medical costs arising from the injury or disease. This includes:
- – Doctors’ consultations
- – Hospital stays and surgery
- – Medicines and dressings
- – Rehabilitation and physiotherapy
- – Transport to and from medical facilities
Workers are entitled to treatment until they have recovered or reached maximum medical improvement.
b) Temporary Total Disablement (TTD)
If an injury temporarily prevents an employee from working, they may receive periodical payments to replace lost wages. This is usually:
- – 75% of the employee’s normal monthly earnings
- – Paid from the first day off work, after the injury has been reported
- – Paid until the employee returns to work or their condition stabilises
This benefit ensures that injured workers can cover their basic living costs while they are off work.
c) Temporary Partial Disablement
If a worker can return to light or part-time duties but still loses some income, they may receive compensation for the difference between their normal earnings and their reduced earnings. This encourages early reintegration into the workplace without financial penalty.
d) Permanent Disablement Benefits
When an injury leads to a permanent impairment, the WCA provides either a lump-sum payment or a monthly pension, depending on the percentage of disability:
- – Less than 30% permanent disablement: usually a once-off lump-sum payment.
- – 30% or more permanent disablement: a monthly pension for life, with adjustments for inflation.
The degree of impairment is determined by medical assessment guidelines.
e) Death Benefits and Funeral Costs
If a worker dies as a result of a workplace injury or occupational disease, their dependants (spouse, children, or other supported family members) may receive:
- – A monthly pension based on the worker’s earnings
- – Compensation for funeral expenses up to the prescribed limit
This provides vital financial security for the worker’s family.
f) Rehabilitation and Return-to-Work Programmes
The Compensation Fund also funds rehabilitation, prostheses, and vocational training to help injured workers return to productive employment wherever possible.
-
How Claims Are Processed
For workers to receive these benefits, strict procedures must be followed:
- Injury Reporting: The employer must report the incident to the Compensation Fund within 7 days of knowledge.
- Medical Report: A registered medical practitioner must complete the required forms (WCL forms).
- Ongoing Updates: Employers must send progress and final medical reports to the Fund.
- Payments: Once approved, the Compensation Fund pays benefits directly to the employee or their medical provider.
Late or incorrect submissions can delay compensation. TechAcc helps employers maintain accurate records and submit claims on time.
-
How Long Do Payments Continue?
- – Temporary disablement payments continue until the worker is fit for duty or has reached maximum medical improvement.
- – Permanent disablement pensions are generally for life.
- – Death benefits are paid to dependants as prescribed by the Act.
Knowing these timelines helps employers plan staffing and payroll adjustments.
-
Interaction with Medical Aid and Private Insurance
Workers sometimes assume their medical aid covers workplace injuries. Under WCA, the Compensation Fund takes precedence. However, private medical aid or insurance may cover additional costs not covered by the Fund. Employers should advise workers on how claims interact to prevent duplication.
-
Why Compliance Matters for Employers
Employers who are not registered or who fail to pay their assessments may:
- – Become personally liable for the full cost of an injured worker’s benefits
- – Face penalties, interest, and reputational damage
- – Lose the legal protection offered by the WCA
For small businesses, one serious claim could be financially devastating if they are non-compliant. TechAcc ensures that your business stays on the right side of the law.
-
How TechAcc Can Help
At TechAcc, we assist South African businesses to:
- – Register with the Compensation Fund
- – Calculate and pay assessments accurately
- – Maintain records for audits and compliance
- – Prepare and submit claim forms quickly to avoid delays
- – Advise on classification of employees and contractors
By outsourcing WCA compliance to TechAcc, employers gain peace of mind knowing their employees are protected and their company is fully compliant.
-
Final Thoughts
The Workers’ Compensation Act provides a vital safety net for employees injured or made ill by their work. Knowing what benefits injured workers receive under WCA helps both employers and employees plan and respond correctly to workplace accidents.
For employers, compliance is not just a legal requirement – it is an investment in your workforce’s welfare and your business’s sustainability. TechAcc is ready to guide you through every step of the process.
Suggested SEO Keywords
Workers Compensation Act South Africa, WCA benefits South Africa, Workers Compensation benefits SA, Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act, COIDA benefits South Africa, what benefits do injured workers receive WCA, WCA compensation South Africa, injured workers benefits South Africa, Workers Compensation claims SA, TechAcc WCA services
Stan Kaseke