Can I Get A New Job While On Work Comp

Finder Law Serves Clients Across Jefferson City, Columbia, and Central Missouri

Kara McNabb • May 8, 2025

Can You Get a New Job While on Workers' Compensation in Missouri?

Workers' compensation is designed to provide financial support and medical care to employees who are injured on the job. However, many workers who are receiving workers' compensation benefits may wonder whether they are allowed to seek other employment during their recovery. In Missouri, the answer isn’t straightforward, and it largely depends on your specific situation. Here's an overview of what you need to know if you’re considering looking for a new job while receiving workers' compensation benefits.

What is Workers' Compensation?

Before we dive into the specifics, it’s important to understand the basics of workers' compensation. In Missouri, workers' compensation is a state-mandated program that provides benefits to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. These benefits can cover:


  • Medical Expenses: Treatment for the injury or illness.


  • Temporary Disability Benefits: Wage replacement if the worker is unable to work for a period.


  • Permanent Disability Benefits: Long-term financial compensation if the worker has lasting impairments.



  • Vocational Rehabilitation: Services to help an injured worker return to employment, if possible.

Can I Get a New Job While on Workers' Compensation in Missouri?

In Missouri, there is no blanket rule that prohibits someone from seeking or accepting new employment while receiving workers' compensation benefits. However, certain factors come into play that could affect your eligibility for workers' comp benefits if you decide to look for a new job.

1. Your Current Ability to Work

One of the key factors in whether you can pursue other employment while on workers' comp is whether you are physically capable of doing so. If your doctor has indicated that you are able to return to work in some capacity (either full-time or part-time), you might be able to take another job without jeopardizing your benefits. However, if your injury or illness prevents you from working at all, then pursuing another job might be seen as inconsistent with your workers' comp claim.

2. Restrictions Imposed by Your Doctor

Workers' compensation cases often involve medical evaluations to determine the extent of your injuries. If your doctor has placed restrictions on the type of work you can perform due to your injury, taking a job that doesn’t align with those restrictions could jeopardize your workers' compensation benefits. For example, if you are restricted to light-duty work or cannot lift more than a certain weight, accepting a physically demanding job would be a violation of your doctor’s orders and could raise concerns for the insurance company.

3. The Impact on Temporary Disability Benefits

If you are receiving temporary disability benefits (which are typically meant to replace lost wages during recovery), you may risk losing these benefits if you take another job. Specifically, if your new job pays more than your workers’ comp benefits, or if your new job results in a reduced level of disability, your benefits could be adjusted or discontinued. The Missouri Division of Workers' Compensation may reassess your case if they determine that you’re no longer entitled to the full wage replacement.

4. Good Faith in Reporting Employment

If you do decide to pursue another job while receiving workers’ compensation benefits, it’s crucial to report your employment to the Missouri Division of Workers' Compensation. Failing to report additional income or new employment could be considered fraud, which is a serious legal offense and could result in penalties, including the loss of benefits.

5. Part-Time or Light-Duty Work Options

In some cases, injured workers may be able to return to part-time or light-duty work that aligns with their medical restrictions. If you find a job that accommodates your current physical limitations, and your employer is willing to work with your restrictions, you may be able to earn additional income while still receiving partial benefits. In these cases, workers' compensation may provide a reduced benefit that supplements your new earnings, rather than replacing your entire wage.

6. Vocational Rehabilitation and Job Search Assistance

Missouri law requires that workers who suffer permanent disabilities that prevent them from returning to their previous jobs may be eligible for vocational rehabilitation benefits. This can include assistance in finding new employment that is within your physical capabilities. If you are receiving vocational rehabilitation, you may be working with a counselor to help you find suitable work, which could include looking for a new job. However, you should still be transparent with your vocational counselor and the workers' compensation insurance carrier to avoid any potential issues.

What Happens If I Take a Job Without Reporting It?

If you decide to take a new job while receiving workers' compensation benefits and fail to report it, you could be committing workers' compensation fraud. Failing to report new employment or income could result in severe consequences, including:


  • Loss of Benefits: Your workers' compensation benefits could be terminated.


  • Repayment of Benefits: If it is determined that you were not entitled to benefits during the time you were working, you may have to pay back any benefits you received.


  • Legal Penalties: Workers' compensation fraud is a criminal offense in Missouri and can lead to criminal charges, fines, and even imprisonment.

Conclusion

In Missouri, it is possible to look for and even secure a new job while on workers' compensation, but it is essential to proceed with caution. Your ability to take on new work will largely depend on your medical restrictions, the nature of the job, and your current status with workers' compensation benefits. Be sure to:


  • Consult with your doctor to ensure any new employment complies with your physical restrictions.


  • Notify the workers' compensation insurer and the Missouri Division of Workers' Compensation about any changes in your employment status.


  • Avoid taking a job that would compromise your recovery or workers' compensation claim.


Navigating workers' compensation and finding new employment can be tricky, so it’s advisable to consult with an attorney who specializes in workers' compensation law to ensure you’re complying with all the relevant regulations and protecting your rights.


If you’re in this situation and unsure about your options, seeking professional legal advice is a smart step to avoid potential complications. Daniel Finder at Finder Law, LLC has extensive experience in workers compensation law and can help guide you through this often-confusing process.


Contact our office today to set up a consultation to discuss your legal needs.

This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific guidance, please contact our office directly.

Falling Asleep at the Wheel: Personal Injury Claims in Missouri Car Accidents

August 5, 2026
Drowsy driving is one of the most dangerous—and preventable—causes of car accidents in Missouri. When a driver falls asleep at the wheel, the consequences can be catastrophic, often leading to high-speed collisions, severe injuries, and even fatalities. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by a fatigued driver, you may have the right to pursue a personal injury claim. Here’s what you need to know about your legal options in Missouri.

Leaving Specific Items to Loved Ones in Missouri Estate Planning: A Practical Guide

July 29, 2026
One of the most personal parts of estate planning is deciding who receives your meaningful possessions. Whether it’s a family heirloom, jewelry, firearms, collectibles, or even sentimental household items, many people want to ensure specific belongings go to specific individuals. In Missouri, there are several ways to leave designated items to loved ones—but doing it incorrectly can create confusion, disputes, or even invalidate your wishes. Here’s what you need to know to do it right.

School Bus Accident Injury Claims in Missouri: What Victims and Families Need to Know

July 22, 2026
School bus accidents are every parent’s worst nightmare. While buses are generally considered one of the safest forms of transportation, accidents do happen—and when they do, the injuries can be serious and the legal issues complex. If you or your child has been injured in a school bus crash in Missouri, understanding how personal injury claims work is critical to protecting your rights and securing compensation.

Common Types of Civil Cases in Missouri: A Practical Overview

July 15, 2026
When most people think about legal cases, they often picture criminal court. But a large portion of the legal system involves civil cases —disputes between individuals, businesses, or entities where one party is seeking compensation or another form of relief. If you’re dealing with a legal issue in Missouri, understanding the most common types of civil cases can help you determine your options and when to seek legal help.

Why You Should Hire an Attorney for Traffic Tickets in Missouri

July 15, 2026
Getting a traffic ticket in Missouri might seem like a minor inconvenience—but the consequences can be more serious than most people realize. From fines and points on your license to increased insurance rates and even license suspension, a simple ticket can have lasting effects. If you’ve received a citation, working with a Missouri traffic attorney may be one of the smartest decisions you can make.

Selling a House During Divorce in Missouri: What You Need to Know

July 8, 2026
For many couples, the family home is the most valuable—and emotionally significant—asset involved in a divorce. Deciding what happens to that home can be one of the most challenging parts of the process. If you’re going through a divorce in Missouri and facing the sale of a house, understanding your rights and options can help you avoid costly mistakes and unnecessary conflict.

Why You Should Hire a DWI Attorney in Missouri

July 1, 2026
A DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) charge in Missouri is not just another traffic ticket—it’s a serious criminal offense that can impact your freedom, your finances, and your future. Many people underestimate how complex DWI cases can be, and making the wrong decision early on can have lasting consequences. If you’ve been charged with DWI in Missouri, hiring an experienced attorney is one of the most important steps you can take.

Common Real Estate Cases in Missouri: What Property Owners Need to Know

June 24, 2026
Real estate issues are some of the most common—and often most contentious—civil matters in Missouri. Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord, tenant, buyer, or seller, disputes involving property can arise quickly and escalate if not handled properly. Understanding the most common types of real estate cases in Missouri can help you recognize potential problems early and protect your rights.

Dividing Retirement Accounts in a Missouri Divorce: What You Need to Know

June 17, 2026
Retirement accounts are often one of the most valuable assets in a marriage—sometimes even more valuable than the family home. When a divorce occurs in Missouri, properly dividing these accounts is critical to ensuring a fair outcome and avoiding costly tax consequences. If you’re going through a divorce, understanding how retirement assets are handled can help you protect your financial future.

Trust vs. Will in Missouri: Which Estate Planning Tool Is Right for You?

June 10, 2026
When it comes to estate planning in Missouri, one of the most common questions people ask is: Should I have a will, a trust, or both? The answer depends on your goals, your assets, and how much control you want over what happens after you pass away. Understanding the key differences—and advantages—can help you make the right decision for your situation.