West Virginia Adjusters Practice Exam

Which of the following people would NOT be eligible to receive dependent benefits under workers compensation insurance?

1. The 16-year-old child of the deceased employee

2. The 22-year-old child of the deceased employee who is not enrolled in higher education

3. The 24-year-old child of the deceased employee who is a full-time student

4. The 26-year-old child of the deceased employee who is a full-time student

The correct answer is: The 16-year-old child of the deceased employee

The correct reasoning regarding dependent benefits under workers compensation insurance hinges on the eligibility criteria based on age and educational status. Typically, dependent benefits are intended for children who are financially dependent on the deceased employee and fall within specific age limits or are pursuing education. The 16-year-old child of the deceased employee qualifies for dependent benefits because they are under the age limit typically defined for dependents. Most jurisdictions provide benefits to children under 18, and this age is often extended if the child is still a full-time student. The 22-year-old child not enrolled in higher education generally would not qualify for dependent benefits since they are older than the typical age limit and not meeting any educational criteria that would extend their dependency status. Similarly, the 24-year-old child who is a full-time student could still be eligible, as many workers compensation systems allow for dependent benefits to extend to children who are pursuing their education, often up to the age of 25 or 26. Lastly, some jurisdictions permit a 26-year-old full-time student to remain dependent, assuming specific criteria are met related to enrollment and dependency on the deceased. Thus, the 22-year-old not in school stands out as ineligible in many systems, while younger minors and qualifying students generally remain