FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 5, 2024
Press Contact
Tsedek Roberts
Office: (340) 776-3700 ext. 2015
www.vidol.gov
tsedek.roberts@dol.vi.gov

VIDOL Hosts Successful Workers’ Compensation Administration Webinar

USVI – The Virgin Islands Department of Labor (VIDOL) extends its sincere thanks to all attendees and speakers that contributed to the success of the Workers’ Compensation Administration Webinar on Wednesday, December 4, 2024.

Commissioner Gary Molloy opened the webinar by highlighting the transfer of employees and personnel from the previously titled ‘Government Insurance Trust Fund’ housed in the Department of Finance to the ‘Workers’ Compensation Trust Fund’ housed in the Virgin Islands Department of Labor. Assistant Commissioner and Legal Counsel Nesha Christian-Hendrickson delved into more detail regarding Act 8859 that was signed into law on August 9^th, 2024. Director Rainia Thomas, Assistant Director Kesi Peterson, and Assistant Director Anthony Selkridge described changes in the Workers’ Compensation Administration. The webinar concluded with words of appreciation from Assistant Commissioner Forde.

The Workers’ Compensation Administration now has two units: the Claims Unit, responsible for filing claims for work related injuries via the online claims system VENTIV, and the Underwriting Unit, responsible for the filing and payment of premiums.

The changes in the Claims Unit include the following:

• There will be a five-day waiting period before disability benefits can be
• A four-year Statute of Limitations on medical
• If there is no activity in a claim for six (6) months, that claim will be considered
• If a contracted or temporary employee is injured, that employee is eligible only for twenty-six (26) weeks maximum temporary total disability benefits after the termination date of the employment.
• Temporary Total Disability income benefits shall be paid out for a period not to exceed one hundred and twenty (120) weeks; or upon reaching Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI); whichever occurs first.
• If an employee is terminated for just cause no disability benefits shall be
• A fine of $250.00 per failure to respond to a payroll inquiry for employers that do not respond to the agency request for payroll information within ten (10) working days.

The changes in the Underwriting Unit include the following:

• Enforcement- Under Title 24 Chapter 11, Section 276
  • The time allowed by the Commissioner to pursue delinquent employers for unpaid premiums that include interest and penalties owed to the “fund” was extended from four (4) years to ten (10) years.
• Penalties- Under Title 24 Chapter 11, Section 277
  • Every employer who fails to insure or who fails to file as required by the statute shall be fined up to five thousand ($5,000.00) dollars.
• Premium Payments and Due Dates
  • File the current year’s actual (9 months) along with the upcoming year’s estimate by September 30th, 2024.
  • Once received, VIDOL completes the initial calculation and sends the employer a bill with a payment due date of December 31st, 2024.
  • Submit the stamped copy of the 4th Quarter VIESA report filed with VIDOL by January 31st,
  • Once received, VIDOL will complete the final calculations, including an experience rating (if qualified), and send the employer a second bill due by June 30th, 2025.

VIDOL is announcing another Workers’ Compensation Webinar on December 17, 2024, at 10:00 am.

For additional information or assistance

• Call VIDOL St. Croix at (340) 773-1994 or VIDOL St. Thomas at (340) 776-3700.
• Email the Claims Unit at workerscompensation@dol.vi.gov or the Underwriting Unit at workerscomptrustfund@dol.vi.gov.
• Visit us online at vidol.gov.
• Follow us on Facebook at com/USVIDOL for updates and announcements.

 

#