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House Bill 90 enhances workers' compensation benefits for members of the Texas Military Forces on state active duty and working under authorized written orders. It applies to a compensable injury that occurs on or after September 1, 2023.
- It defines travel to or from a member’s state duty location or while on state training to be within the course and scope of employment.
- It makes members of the Texas Military Forces eligible to receive workers' compensation benefits for post-traumatic stress disorder as a compensable injury based on one or more events happening while on state active duty.
- It expedites medical benefits for serious bodily injuries defined by Texas Penal Code Section 1.07. Members of the Texas Military Forces injured on state active duty can request expedited dispute resolution proceedings, including contested case hearings and appeals for denied or disputed medical benefits.
Applicable law
- House Bill 90
- Texas Government Code Section 437.001
- Texas Labor Code Section 501.001
- Adopted rules on expedited benefits for members of the Texas military forces (implementing House Bill 90)
FAQ
When and how do I report my state active-duty work-related injury or illness?
You must tell your supervisor or Texas military department workers’ compensation coordinator. You must report your injury or illness within 30 days from the date of injury or the date you knew it was work-related. If you do not report your injury or illness timely, you may lose your right to benefits.
Report to DWC. The State Office of Risk Management (SORM) will report your injury or illness to DWC.
When DWC gets a report of a work-related injury or illness, we will mail you a Notice of Injury packet with DWC Form-041, Employee's Claim for Compensation for a Work-Related Injury or Occupational Disease. You must return this form to DWC within one year from the date of injury or illness, or you may lose your right to benefits.
You do not have to wait for SORM to report your injury or illness. You can report it to DWC using a DWC Form-041.
If you need help, call DWC customer service at 800-252-7031, option 1.
What will workers’ compensation cover?
- Medical benefits pay for reasonable and necessary medical care to treat your work-related injury or illness.
- Income benefits replace some of the money you lost because of your work-related injury or illness.
- Burial benefits pay for some of the funeral expenses when an employee dies because of a work-related injury or illness.
- Death benefits help families replace some of the money lost when an employee dies because of a work-related injury or illness.
Learm more about income and medical benefits.
Who should I call if I have questions about my claim or benefits?
Call the State Office of Risk Management (SORM) and ask to speak to your adjuster. Your adjuster is the person assigned to help you with your claim. To contact SORM, call 512-475-1440 or toll-free at 877-445-0006.
If you still need help, call DWC customer service at 800-252-7031, option 1. Let us know that you are a member of the Texas Military Forces, and we will connect you to a claims specialist that will help you each time you call.
What do I do if my claim or medical treatment is denied?
Call your State Office of Risk Management (SORM) adjuster to talk about your claim. Often, talking with the adjuster can clear up your concerns quickly and easily.
You have the right to dispute SORM’s decision about your claim or medical treatment. To learn more about your options for pursuing a dispute, call DWC customer service at 800-252-7031, option 1 or see the Dispute resolution resources page.
Related question
What is dispute resolution?
Dispute resolution is a series of proceedings to resolve disputes brought before DWC. To learn more about the dispute process, call DWC customer service at 800-252-7031, option 1 or see the Dispute resolution for injured employees page.