What to Do if Your Workers’ Compensation Payments Stop in Pennsylvania
If your workers’ compensation payments stop before you’re ready to return to work, you’re not alone — and you’re not powerless. This happens more often than it should, and injured workers across Pennsylvania — including Delaware County — face sudden loss of income and mounting medical bills.
Here’s what to do next — and how to protect your benefits.
Step 1: Contact Your Employer and the Insurance Company
Start by reaching out to:
- Your employer’s HR department
- The workers’ compensation insurance adjuster
Ask for:
- An explanation of why payments were stopped
- Any forms or letters they’ve mailed
- Copies of any medical reviews they used
This may be a clerical error, but if not, you’ll want documentation to prepare for the next step.
Step 2: Get a Medical Re-Evaluation
If a medical report was used to justify ending your benefits — and you’re still unable to work — ask your treating doctor to:
- Provide updated medical records
- Write a letter confirming your ongoing disability
- Refer you for a second opinion if necessary
This evidence may help support your workers’ comp claim and strengthen your case for medical benefit coverage.
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Step 3: File a Petition to Reinstate Benefits
In Pennsylvania there are time deadlines to seek reinstatement of benefits from the date your checks stopped.
File with the:
- Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Office of Adjudication
You’ll need:
- Medical records
- The notice of termination
- Any correspondence with the insurer
If you wait too long, you may lose your right to collect back pay.
See: How to file a workers’ compensation claim in Pennsylvania
Learn about denied claims and reinstatement petitions
Know Your Rights Under Pennsylvania Law
Key laws that protect injured workers include:
- Section 306(a) — Wage-loss benefits if you’re unable to work
- Section 306(f.1) — Payment for necessary medical treatment
- Section 413(a) — Right to modify, reinstate, or suspend benefits if your condition changes
If your benefits were terminated unfairly, you may be entitled to back pay and reinstated medical coverage.
Also read: Can your employer deny your workers’ comp claim?
Talk to Our Workers’ Compensation Lawyers
When your payments stop suddenly, time is critical. At Schmidt, Kirifides, Rassias & Rio, our Certified Workers’ Compensation Specialists know how to fight back — and we’ve helped hundreds of workers in Delaware County and Media protect their benefits.
Let us help you act fast, file correctly, and build a strong case for reinstatement.