After a work injury, an injured worker may be living on workers' compensation checks for weeks or months. A short Tennessee statute, Tennessee Code § 50-6-223, answers two practical questions: can those benefits be signed over to someone else, and can creditors reach them?
The general rule is protective. No claim for compensation under the workers' compensation law is assignable, and all compensation and claims for compensation are exempt from claims of creditors. The statute notes that it applies to injuries occurring both before and on or after July 1, 2014.
| Situation | What § 50-6-223 says |
|---|---|
| Assigning a comp claim to someone else | No claim for compensation is assignable |
| Creditors | Compensation and claims for compensation are exempt from claims of creditors |
| Child support, periodic payments | Subject to income assignment for payment of support under title 36, chapter 5, part 5 and § 50-2-105 |
| Child support, lump-sum settlements | The Department of Human Services has a lien for current or overdue support |
Source: Tennessee Code § 50-6-223.
The child support exceptions
The statute makes two exceptions, both tied to support. First, compensation made by periodic payments is subject to income assignment for payment of support, as provided by title 36, chapter 5, part 5 and § 50-2-105. Second, the Department of Human Services has a lien on any lump-sum settlement to collect current or overdue support, and it may enforce that lien as provided by title 36, chapter 5, part 9.
For an injured worker who owes support, that means a settlement figure on paper may not be the amount that reaches the worker. For employers and their carriers, it means support orders and lien notices deserve attention before payments go out.
What this does not change
The statute is about who can reach the money. It does not change how much is owed, when the first check is due, or whether a claim is compensable. Those rules live elsewhere in the law:
- Current weekly benefit limits: Tennessee raised its workers’ comp weekly benefit caps for injuries on or after July 1, 2026.
- When the first payment is due: Tennessee workers' comp does not pay lost wages for the first seven days unless the disability lasts 14 days.
- Reporting the injury and choosing a doctor: Tennessee workers generally have 15 days to report a job injury, and most employers then owe them a choice of three doctors.
- The filing deadline for disputed claims: Most injured Tennessee workers have one year to file a Petition for Benefit Determination before the claim is barred.
- For employers, confirm your coverage is on file: TDCI’s workers’ comp page says verify coverage online — a certificate may not warn you of cancellation.
- When an employer had no coverage: Tennessee’s Uninsured Employers Fund caps benefits at $40,000 for workers hurt on the job without coverage.
This article is informational only. It summarizes Tennessee Code § 50-6-223 and is not legal advice. It does not promise benefits, coverage, or eligibility; the Bureau of Workers' Compensation and the courts decide individual claims.
Related reading from All Seasons
- Tennessee raised its workers’ comp weekly benefit caps for injuries on or after July 1, 2026.
- Tennessee workers' comp does not pay lost wages for the first seven days unless the disability lasts 14 days.
- Tennessee workers generally have 15 days to report a job injury, and most employers then owe them a choice of three doctors.
- Most injured Tennessee workers have one year to file a Petition for Benefit Determination before the claim is barred.
- TDCI’s workers’ comp page says verify coverage online — a certificate may not warn you of cancellation.
- Tennessee’s Uninsured Employers Fund caps benefits at $40,000 for workers hurt on the job without coverage.
Free policy review
All Seasons Insurance Group offers a free personal policy review. Call 865-263-1400 or visit asigtn.com/get-a-quote/. This article is informational only and does not promise coverage or eligibility; your policy forms control. Seasons change. So should your coverage.
Can I sign over my Tennessee workers' comp claim to someone else?
Tennessee Code 50-6-223 says no claim for compensation under the workers' compensation law shall be assignable.
Can creditors take my workers' comp benefits?
The statute says all compensation and claims for compensation are exempt from claims of creditors, with child support exceptions.
Can workers' comp checks be used for child support?
Yes. Compensation made by periodic payments is subject to income assignment for payment of support under title 36, chapter 5, part 5 and 50-2-105.
What happens to a lump-sum settlement if I owe support?
The Department of Human Services has a lien on lump-sum settlements for collection of current or overdue support and may enforce it.
Does this rule apply to older injuries?
The statute says it applies to injuries occurring both prior to and on and after July 1, 2014.
Does this section change how much I am paid?
No. It addresses assignment and creditors, not benefit amounts or whether a claim is compensable.
What should employers watch for?
Support income assignments and lien notices can affect where periodic payments and lump-sum settlements are sent.
How can All Seasons help after reading this?
Call 865-263-1400 or visit asigtn.com/get-a-quote/ for a free personal policy review. Informational only; no coverage promises. Seasons change. So should your coverage.
