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FAQ: Death Benefits

Overview

A surviving spouse and the dependents of a worker who dies due to a work injury may be entitled to benefits under Iowa workers' compensation law.

This page contains frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the death benefits in Iowa.

Legal Advice

The FAQ pages are intended to provide general information about the Iowa workers' compensation system. For resources to help you get legal advice, click here.

Table of Contents

FAQ

Who is entitled to death benefits?

A surviving spouse and the dependents of a worker who dies due to a work injury may be entitled to death benefits under Iowa workers' compensation law.

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How long do surviving spouse death benefits last?

A surviving spouse may receive death benefits for life or until remarriage under Iowa workers' compensation law.

If a surviving spouse remarries and the deceased worker has no dependent children at the time of the remarriage, the surviving spouse is entitled to a two-year lump sum settlement.

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How long do death benefits last for dependent children?

Dependent children are entitled to death benefits until age 18 or, if actually dependent, age 25.

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Can people other than the deceased worker's spouse and children qualify for death benefits?

Other people may qualify for death benefits if they were actually dependent upon the deceased worker.

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Who pays for the deceased worker's burial expenses?

For a death caused by a work injury, the deceased worker’s employer (or its insurance carrier) must pay reasonable burial expenses not to exceed twelve times the statewide average weekly wage in effect at the time of death.

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More Info

For more information about workers' compensation in Iowa, click here.