The purpose of the Workers' Compensation Payroll Procedures is to acquaint the department with the Workers' Compensation supplemental benefits provided by the County of Kern and to explain the step by step procedure necessary to process the payroll for those employees who are off the job due to a work incurred injury or illness.

Temporary Disability (TD) Payments

The Temporary Disability (TD) payments are paid directly to the employee by the Kern County Auditor-Controller department. These payments are intended to partially replace salary lost when a work-related injury or illness causes an employee to be absent from work. Employees currently receive two-thirds of their weekly salary up to a certain maximum weekly benefit from Workers' Compensation. For injuries occurring on or after January 1, 2024 the maximum benefit is $1,619.15 per week. There is also a minimum weekly benefit of either $242.86 per week, or actual wages if less. Temporary Disability payments are made directly to the employee by Auditor-Controller on a bi-weekly basis.

General Resources

• Forms
• Medical Provider Network
• Return to Work Program

Claim Reporting for Supervisors

Department Workers' Compensation Liaisons are responsible for supplying the supervisor and/or employee with the Employer's Report form (5020) and the Employee Claim form (DWC-1).

When an employee is injured, he/she should be directed to his/her supervisor to inform him/her of the injury. The supervisor should then contact you to get the proper Workers' Compensation packet (forms) from you. The packet must include the following:

• Employee's Claim for Workers' Compensation Benefits (DWC-1) (PDF)
• Employer's Report of Occupational Injury and Illness (PDF)