SIBTF.org is a nonprofit organization founded by medical-legal industry professionals dedicated to educating injured workers and connecting them with potential legal referrals. Its mission is to assist those who may qualify for additional benefits through California’s Subsequent Injury Benefit Trust Fund. SIBTF.org has no direct affiliation with the Subsequent Injury Benefit Trust Fund.
How to qualify to apply?
If you have pre-existing medical conditions prior to the workers compensation injury, you can qualify for additional benefits. To qualify to apply for benefits, the underlying workers compensation case must be closed within the past 12 months or the latest date of injury must be within the past five years. Additionally, a 5/35% PD threshold should be met.
Who can qualify for SIBTF benefits?
You may be eligible if you were injured at work and had a pre-existing disability or impairment before the injury, and the combined effect of the old condition plus the new injury results in at least 70% permanent disability.
Do I need a previous disability to qualify?
Yes — SIBTF benefits are specifically for injured workers with pre-existing conditions that significantly increase total disability when combined with a new work injury.
Does the employer’s insurance matter for SIBTF eligibility?
No — even if your employer’s insurance handles your basic workers’ compensation claim, the SIBTF benefit is a separate consideration based on your combined disability rating.
How much money can I receive?
If the disability threshold is met, there is a possibility of a one-time settlement payment or lifetime monthly benefits. The monetary amount awarded is dependent on wage, disability income, and other factors. Your atty will be best to assist with estimating the possible payout.
What benefits does the SIBTF provide?
Once awarded, SIBTF provides additional compensation beyond regular workers’ compensation — including extra monetary benefits for total permanent disability.
How are SIBTF benefits paid?
Benefit checks are issued by the SIBTF Claims Unit after benefits are awarded by the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board.
Are SIBTF benefits only for new injuries?
No — benefits apply where a new work-related injury worsens an existing disability to meet minimum combined disability standards.
Attorney Fee
The representing SIBTF case attorney usually receives 15% of the settlement amount or lifetime monthly benefit.
How do I apply for SIBTF benefits?
You must file a written application detailing the date and nature of your industrial injury and all pre-existing disability factors with the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board, then serve the Division of Workers’ Compensation accordingly.
Is a separate SIBTF form required?
Yes — the application for SIBTF benefits is a distinct form from basic workers’ compensation claims and must be completed and filed as required by DWC.
Can I submit documents after filing?
Yes — any medical reports already filed must be served on the SIBTF Claims Unit at least 30 days before hearings or conferences unless waived.
How soon after injury should I apply?
You should file as soon as you know you have a viable SIBTF claim; timely filing helps preserve your right to benefits. (Legal timing guidance: file within a reasonable period after knowing you have a claim — details can be complex.)
What are typical processing times?
After filing, formal responses may be issued within about 30 days, but full case resolution — including hearings, evaluation, and awards — can take many months or longer depending on case complexity.
Are there limits to how long after injury I can file?
Although specific periods vary, you should not delay filing once aware of a possible SIBTF claim — filing well after five years may still be timely if you only recently learned of the claim’s viability.