If you’ve been injured at work and are receiving workers’ compensation in Connecticut, you may be wondering whether you can leave your current job while still receiving benefits. The short answer is yes—you can quit your job while on workers’ comp. But the full answer is more complicated. Leaving your position can impact the benefits you receive, how long they last, and your future eligibility for certain types of compensation.

Below, we break down how quitting affects your benefits, what you should consider, and what legal protections you still have.

Understanding Workers’ Compensation in Connecticut

Workers’ compensation is a no-fault insurance system that provides wage replacement and medical benefits to employees who are injured or become ill due to their job. In Connecticut, nearly all employers are required to carry workers’ comp insurance, and employees are generally eligible for benefits regardless of who caused the accident.

Standard benefits include:

These benefits are intended to support workers until they can return to work—or help them transition if they’re unable to return in the same capacity.

Yes, You Can Quit—but It May Affect Your Benefits

Connecticut law does not prohibit employees from quitting their job while receiving workers’ compensation. However, doing so can influence certain aspects of your benefits, especially wage replacement.

What Happens to Your Wage Benefits After Quitting?

The most immediate impact is on Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) benefits. If your doctor has cleared you for light-duty work and your employer offers such a position, leaving that job could mean forfeiting these benefits. Why? Because TPD is designed to supplement reduced wages while you’re working in a limited capacity. If you voluntarily quit a job that accommodates your restrictions, the insurance carrier may argue that you're no longer eligible for wage replacement.

On the other hand, if you are still Totally Temporarily Disabled (i.e., unable to work at all), quitting your job likely won’t affect those benefits—at least in the short term. You may continue receiving payments until your treating physician determines you are fit for some type of work. But quitting may raise questions about your intentions and potentially give the insurer reason to challenge your claim.

Medical Coverage Should Continue

Quitting your job generally does not affect your right to continue receiving medical care for your work-related injury. As long as your claim is accepted and you comply with the treatment plan outlined by your physician, the workers’ comp insurance carrier remains responsible for covering reasonable and necessary medical expenses related to the injury.

However, changing your employment status could result in more frequent scrutiny from the insurer. They may require Independent Medical Exams (IMEs) or conduct surveillance to ensure your injury is legitimate and your treatment is appropriate.

Common Reasons Why Injured Workers Consider Quitting

There are many valid reasons why an injured worker in Connecticut might consider leaving their job:

  • Hostile work environment after filing a claim
  • Employer refuses to accommodate medical restrictions
  • A better opportunity arises elsewhere
  • Concerns over long-term health and safety in the current role
  • The company is pressuring the employee to return before they’re ready

While your reasons may be entirely justified, quitting without legal guidance could put some of your benefits at risk.

Can You Accept a New Job While on Workers’ Comp?

Yes, you are allowed to look for and accept a new job while receiving workers’ comp in Connecticut. But again, your benefits may be affected.

If the new job pays less than your pre-injury wages and you're still under medical restrictions, you may qualify for partial wage-loss benefits. However, you must document the difference in earnings and ensure your doctor approves the type of work you're doing.

If your new position pays the same—or more—than your old job, your wage replacement benefits will likely end, although your medical coverage for the original injury should continue.

What If You Were Forced to Quit?

If you felt pressured or were constructively dismissed (e.g., the employer made the workplace unbearable or unsafe), this may impact how your departure is viewed under workers’ compensation. You may still be eligible for benefits depending on the circumstances, especially if you can demonstrate that the decision to leave was not entirely voluntary.

It’s also illegal for an employer to retaliate against you for filing a workers’ comp claim. If you quit because of retaliation or discrimination, you may have additional legal claims beyond workers' comp.

Tips Before You Resign While on Workers’ Comp

If you're thinking about leaving your job while receiving benefits, keep the following tips in mind:

1. Speak With Your Treating Physician:
 Make sure your doctor agrees with your decision and that your medical records reflect your current restrictions. This helps protect your eligibility for ongoing medical care.

2. Get Legal Advice Before Quitting:
 An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help you understand the full implications of quitting, including how it may affect wage benefits or future claims.

3. Document Everything:
 Keep a detailed record of communication with your employer, including offers for light-duty work, medical restrictions, and any pressure you’ve experienced to resign.

4. Be Honest With Your New Employer:
 If you take a new job, be upfront about any restrictions you have from your work injury. Failing to disclose them could harm your recovery or create legal complications.

What About Vocational Rehabilitation?

In some cases, if you’re unable to return to your previous job due to permanent restrictions, you may qualify for vocational rehabilitation services. This program helps injured workers train for a new role, return to the workforce, or even pursue a different career path altogether. However, eligibility may be affected if you leave your job without following proper procedures.

Call Brandon J. Broderick For Legal Help

Navigating workers’ compensation is complex—especially when you’re considering a job change while still recovering from a workplace injury. At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, we understand how difficult these decisions can be. Our legal team is here to help you weigh your options, protect your benefits, and move forward with confidence.

Don’t make a move that could cost you your benefits. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Still have questions?

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