If you are an employee and are unable to perform your job due to a work-related illness or injury, Princeton University provides you with Workers’ Compensation Benefits. If you are benefits-eligible and unable to perform your job due to a non-work-related injury, illness, or disability, the University provides you with disability benefits.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits

Wage Replacement

The University’s Workers’ Compensation Plan provides faculty and staff with 80 percent of gross wages in effect at the time of the injury or illness. This benefit is paid when the employee has been authorized out of work by an approved physician and continues until they return to work or are determined to have reached maximum medical improvement. The 70-percent base benefit is exempt from, or not subject to, federal or state income tax. Union employees should review their collective bargaining agreement for confirmation of their rate in pay.

Additional Benefits

In addition to wage replacement, Workers’ Compensation provides payment for medical treatment and permanent disability compensation to employees who suffer job-related injury or illness, and death benefits to the beneficiaries of workers who have died as a result of their employment.

If You are Injured on the Job

If you suffer a work-related injury that keeps you from working, you can receive workers’ compensation benefits no matter who was at fault. In exchange for these benefits, which are governed by state law, you cannot bring a civil action against your employer for pain and suffering or other damages, except under certain circumstances. For more information, see Workers' Compensation on the University's HR website.

If you are injured, notify your supervisor as soon as possible. If you need medical treatment, contact Employee Health Services, or if necessary, go to an emergency medical facility.