If you lost a loved one to a work injury, you may be entitled to significant benefits. This tool gives a compassionate, plain-English estimate — privately and at no cost.
When a worker dies from a job injury or illness, California provides death benefits to their dependents. There are three parts: burial expenses (up to $10,000), a dependent benefit ($250,000–$320,000 depending on the number of total dependents), and the way it's paid out — in weekly installments at the worker's disability rate, at least $224 per week.
If there are surviving minor children, payments can continue until the youngest turns 18, sometimes exceeding the cap. Partial-dependent situations are calculated differently and are frequently contested. This tool gives a respectful estimate; a free, no-pressure consultation can explain exactly what your family is entitled to.
For injuries on or after 1/1/2013, the dependent death benefit is $250,000 for one total dependent, $290,000 for two, and $320,000 for three or more, plus up to $10,000 in burial expenses. The benefit is paid in weekly installments at the worker's disability rate (at least $224/week).
A total dependent relied on the worker for all support; a partial dependent relied on them for some. The amounts and the math differ — partial-dependent benefits are based on the support actually provided and are often disputed, so they should be reviewed by an attorney.
Not necessarily. If a dependent is a minor, benefit payments continue at the weekly rate until the youngest child turns 18 — which can total more than the lump-sum cap (LC 4703.5).
Surviving dependents — typically a spouse, children, or others who relied on the worker financially. These claims are time-sensitive and fact-specific; a consultation is free and there's no fee unless we recover benefits.
