If you’re asking yourself, “Why did my workers’ comp checks stop?” there are several reasons. In California, workers’ compensation payments can stop suddenly due to paperwork issues, medical reporting gaps, or insurance company decisions that many injured workers don’t see coming. Understanding why your workers’ comp checks stopped is the first step to protecting your income and your case.
For many people, these checks are the only thing keeping rent paid, food on the table, and bills under control. When they stop without warning, the stress can feel overwhelming.
Who This Applies To
This information is especially relevant if you are:
An employee injured at work in California
Currently receiving or recently receiving workers’ comp checks
Confused about a sudden delay, reduction, or termination of payments
Unsure whether State Disability Insurance (SDI) affects your benefits
Whether you work in construction, healthcare, warehouse jobs, hospitality, or any physically demanding role, payment interruptions can happen across all industries.
The Most Common Reasons Workers’ Comp Checks Stop
Workers’ comp checks rarely stop “by accident.” Most delays or terminations happen for one of these reasons:
1. Missing or Delayed Medical Work Status Reports
Insurance companies rely heavily on your doctor’s work status report. If it’s missing, late, or unclear, payments may stop automatically, even if you’re still injured.
2. A Change in Work Restrictions
If your doctor releases you to modified or light duty and your employer claims work is available, temporary disability payments may be reduced or paused.
3. Confusion Between Workers’ Comp and SDI
Receiving State Disability Insurance while also on workers’ comp can trigger repayment issues or payment suspensions if not handled correctly.
4. Employer or Insurance Miscommunication
Incorrect job offers, outdated employer reports, or internal insurance delays can quietly interrupt checks without proper explanation.
5. Permanent Disability Payments Starting
Temporary disability does not last forever. When permanent disability begins, the payment amount and schedule change, often catching workers off guard.
What To Do Next If Your Workers’ Comp Checks Stopped
If your workers’ comp checks stopped, take these steps immediately:
Check your most recent doctor’s report
Confirm your work status is clearly documented and submitted.
Review any notices from the insurance company
Even small letters can explain major payment decisions.
Do not assume the issue will fix itself
Delays often continue unless someone intervenes.
Avoid mixing benefits without guidance
Combining workers’ comp and SDI incorrectly can cost you money.
Document everything
Keep copies of medical reports, letters, and payment history.
Common Mistakes That Cost You Money
These are mistakes we see all the time:
- Missing a doctor appointment and losing work status documentation
- Assuming a payment stop means the case is “over”
- Trusting verbal explanations without written confirmation
- Waiting weeks before asking questions
- Accepting reduced payments without understanding why
Small gaps can have big financial consequences.
When Should You Call a Workers’ Comp Lawyer?
You should speak with a workers’ compensation lawyer if:
- Your checks stopped without a clear explanation
- Payments were reduced suddenly
- You received a confusing insurance notice
- You’re being asked to repay benefits
- You’re unsure whether your benefits are temporary or permanent
This isn’t about starting a fight, it’s about understanding your rights and protecting your income.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can workers’ comp checks stop without notice?
Yes, payments can stop due to missing reports or insurance decisions, sometimes without clear advance warning
2. Does going back to light duty stop my checks?
It can. If your employer offers modified work within your restrictions, temporary disability payments may be affected.
3. How long do workers’ comp checks last in California?
Temporary disability payments are capped and eventually end, even if you’re still injured.
4. Can SDI replace workers’ comp payments?
Not automatically. Using both incorrectly can cause delays or repayment issues.
5. What if my checks stopped but I’m still injured?
You should review your medical reports and seek legal guidance immediately.
Final Thoughts
When workers’ comp checks stop, it’s rarely random, but it is often confusing. The system moves fast, paperwork matters, and small missteps can quietly cost injured workers thousands of dollars.
If your workers’ comp checks stopped and you don’t fully understand why, don’t wait.
👉 Visit www.pacificworkers.com or call 800-606-6999 to get a free consultation and clarity on what’s happening with your benefits.
You deserve answers, and you deserve to be paid correctly.
About the Author
Bilal Kassem President and Co-founder
Bilal Kassem is the co-founder of Pacific Workers and a nominee for Applicant Attorney of the Year. With a deep-rooted passion for helping injured workers, Bilal leads with empathy and empowers his team to deliver world-class service from the very first interaction.
With extensive experience navigating California’s evolving workers’ compensation system, Bilal closely tracks legislative changes, claims trends, and insurer practices impacting injured workers in 2026. His work focuses on protecting workers from delayed, denied, or underpaid benefits by combining legal strategy with clear, practical guidance rooted in real case outcomes.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information and is not legal advice. Every workers’ compensation case is different.