NY Workers’ Comp Board Says Erie County Check Policy Illegal

Is Erie County breaking the law by forcing their injured workers to come to work every two weeks to pick up their workers’ comp check? According to the New York State Workers' Compensation Board, they are. In fact, the board voted unanimously that Erie County stop the practice, which affects an estimated 300 New York workers.

However, County Executive Chris Collins says that the practice will continue despite threats of significant fines and penalties. According to Collins, making injured workers come to work to pick up their checks gives the county a chance to see how they are and to offer opportunities to come back to work in some capacity.

Many of the injured workers are refusing to pick up their workers’ comp checks in person and other Erie County workers say that they do no demand that injured workers show up in person. Erie County is facing a $36 million budget deficit.