Question 1

What If My Family Member Died Due to a Maritime Work Injury?

Accepted Answer

If you’re an eligible survivor, you can file for death benefits (or survivor benefits). These benefits include funeral expenses and regular payments based on your family member’s AWW.

Question 2

What Information Do I Need to Provide to File a Claim?

Accepted Answer

Generally, you need medical records, wage records, and proof of paying for work related injury expenses to receive proper benefits. If you are seeking survivor benefits, you also need records proving your relationship to the maritime worker and their funeral costs.

Question 3

How Do I Send My Paperwork When Filing a Claim?

Accepted Answer

If you’re filing a new claim, you can send your paperwork by fax, by the online SEAPortal, or by mail to the DLHWC office in Jacksonville, Florida.

Question 4

What If I Discover that I Have a Work-Related Occupational Injury or Disease After I Retire?

Accepted Answer

You can still file a claim for permanent partial disability benefits, which are based on your level of permanent impairment.

Question 5

What If My Employer or My Employer’s Insurance Company Doesn’t Have the Money to Pay for My Benefits?

Accepted Answer

Many maritime workers whose employers can’t pay for their LHWCA benefits have access to benefits from the federal Special Fund.

Question 6

I Already Filed for Workers’ Compensation Through a State Agency, Do I Have Access to Benefits Under the Longshore Act?

Accepted Answer

Many recipients of compensation benefits through the state still have access to LHWCA benefits. But note that LHWCA benefits are reduced by the amount of state benefit you receive.

Longshore Injury

Longshore Act Overview for Workers in Florida

Longshore Death Benefits for Children and Spouses in Florida

How to File Longshore Claims in Florida