Understanding UCD Benefits for Workers' Compensation

UCD benefits for workers' compensation provide medical care, wage replacement, and disability services to employees injured on the job, following California state law and the university's collective bargaining agreements.

Eligibility and Covered Employees

All regular, full‑time, part‑time, and temporary staff employed by UC Davis are covered by the state workers' compensation system. Independent contractors and volunteers are generally excluded unless the university has explicitly assumed responsibility for their safety.

Scope of Coverage

The workers' compensation program pays for:

• Medically necessary treatment related to the injury or illness
• Temporary total disability (TTD) benefits up to 2/3 of the employee's average weekly wage
• Permanent disability benefits based on a statutory schedule
• Vocational rehabilitation to help return to work
• Death benefits for surviving dependents

Interaction with UCD Health Benefits

When a claim is filed, the university's health plan continues to cover routine medical services unrelated to the injury. For injury‑related care, the workers' compensation insurer becomes the primary payer, and UCD health benefits act as secondary coverage, covering any out‑of‑pocket costs not reimbursed by the insurer.

Claim Process

Employees should:

• Report the injury to their supervisor within 24 hours.
• Complete the Employer's First Report of Injury (DWC 1) and submit it to UC Davis Risk Management.
• Seek medical attention at a certified workers' compensation provider.

UC Davis Risk Management then forwards the claim to the university's workers' compensation carrier, which issues a claim number and begins benefit payments.

Employer Responsibilities

UC Davis must maintain workers' compensation insurance, provide safe work environments, and ensure timely reporting and investigation of incidents. The university also offers return‑to‑work programs that modify duties to accommodate partially recovered employees.

Common Questions

Can I use my regular UCD health plan for injury treatment?

Only for services not covered by workers' compensation. The claim's medical provider will bill the workers' compensation insurer first.

What if my claim is denied?

Employees can request a reconsideration, appeal to the Workers' Compensation Appeals Board, or seek legal counsel.

Comparison of Benefit Types