If the worker has an occupational illness, eligibility ends 401 weeks from the date the worker first became eligible to receive income benefits. An injured worker may get lifetime income benefits if the worker has an injury or illness that results in the loss of the hands, feet, or eyesight, or if the worker meets the conditions of the Texas Workers' Compensation Act. Amount of lifetime income benefits Lifetime income benefits equal 75 percent of the worker's average weekly wage, with a 3 percent increase each year. When lifetime income benefits end A worker may receive lifetime income benefits for the rest of his or her life. Death and burial benefits Death benefits replace a portion of lost family income for the eligible family members of workers killed on the job.
Burial benefits pay some of the deceased worker's funeral expenses.
A family member may get death benefits if the family member is the spouse, dependent child or grandchild, or another eligible family member of a worker killed on the job. Except for the spouse and minor children, to receive death benefits, family members must have been dependent on the deceased worker. The criteria for receiving death benefits and a list of eligible family members are in Section 408.162 of the Texas Workers' Compensation Act. Death benefits equal 75 percent of the deceased worker's average weekly wage. Burial benefits are paid to the person who paid the worker's funeral expenses.