Employer Benefits and Workplace
What if they died while on workers' compensation?
Short answer
Death benefits may be available to dependents — typically including burial expenses up to a set amount and ongoing payments to dependent survivors. The employer's workers' comp insurer handles the claim. You have one year from the date of death to file…
What this usually means
Death benefits may be available to dependents — typically including burial expenses up to a set amount and ongoing payments to dependent survivors. The employer's workers' comp insurer handles the claim. You have one year from the date of death to file. Consult a workers' comp attorney — most work on contingency.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county help for coroner contacts, vital records, cost tools, and paperwork.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.