Alabama Benefits

Wage Benefits

To be eligible for wage benefits, the injured employee must be deemed disabled by a physician and must not have worked for a minimum of three days.

• Waiting Period: There is a three-day waiting period in Alabama. If the disability continues for 21 days, the injured employee will be entitled to wage benefits for the first three days.
• Initial Payment: The first payment of wage benefits is due to the injured employee on the 4th day following knowledge/proof of disability. These wage benefits will then be paid in weekly installments.
• Percentage of Wages: Weekly wage benefits are tax free and equate to 66 2/3 of your average weekly wage subject to a maximum rate.
• Maximum Rate: Weekly wage benefits are subject to a maximum of $1,130 at this time.
  • For more information on the maximum and minimum wage benefits by year click here.

Medical Benefits

If an employee sustains an injury or illness arising out of and during the course of employment, workers’ compensation will cover reasonable and medically necessary treatment for an injury. Injured employees are not responsible for any copays and should not have any out-of-pocket expenses. All accidents must be reported or notice given to the employer/carrier within 90 days of the injury. Accidents that are not reported within 90 days are barred from receiving compensation.

• Choice of Physician: The employer/carrier directs care and has the right to select the treating physician. If the injured employee is dissatisfied with the physician that the employer/carrier selects, the injured employee may request another panel of physicians (4) to select from; these paneled physicians will be offered to the injured employee by the employer.

• Mileage Reimbursement: The injured employee is entitled to reimbursement of mileage expenses associated with the medical treatment of the claim. To be reimbursed, you must submit a mileage reimbursement form. The employee will be reimbursed within 25 days of receipt of the form.

• Prescriptions: LUBA partners with Mitchell ScriptAdvisor to provide pharmacy benefits to injured employees. Mitchell ScriptAdvisor will issue a prescription card on behalf of LUBA for use at pharmacies to avoid any out-of-pocket expense for the injured employee. Mitchell ScriptAdvisor does offer mail-order prescriptions. Please contact your adjuster or Mitchell ScriptAdvisor directly to discuss this option. You may also visit the LUBA Care section of this website and select pharmacy as the specialty.