Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 50, December 13, 2024
Section 85-17-5 - Electronic Payments to Claimants5.1. Any claimant receiving payment from a State-Administered Workers' Compensation Fund must, on or before August 1, 2021, register to receive a direct deposit payment through the State's Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) payment system. This includes payments for permanent total disability benefits, permanent partial disability benefits, temporary total disability benefits and/or dependent's benefits.5.2. Claimants may register to receive direct deposit payments through the State's Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) payment system by requesting a direct deposit form from the third-party administrator assigned to their claim or by contacting the Claims Services Division of the Offices of the Insurance Commissioner for assistance.5.3. Claimants who do not register to receive direct deposit payments through the state's Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) payment system by completing a direct deposit form on or before August 1, 2021, may be automatically enrolled by the State Auditor in the West Virginia Pay Card Program and may receive a prepaid card in lieu of a paper check or direct deposit. The prepaid card will automatically be reloaded with the claimant's workers' compensation benefit payment every month, or twice a month, in accordance with the appropriate benefit payment schedule.5.4. The Insurance Commissioner, State Auditor and/or State Treasurer may cease issuing paper checks to claimants for benefits paid from the State-Administered Workers' Compensation Funds after August 1, 2021.