South Carolina workers comp Form 52 is the official notice of claim used when a worker dies from a job injury or work-related illness. The dependents of the deceased worker file it with the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission to ask for death benefits. If you are reading this after losing someone you love, we are sorry. This guide explains the form in plain English, one step at a time, so you can focus on your family and still protect your rights.
What the South Carolina Workers Comp Form 52 Is For
When a worker dies from a job injury, the claim does not end. Instead, the right to benefits may pass to the people who depended on that worker. South Carolina workers comp Form 52 puts the Commission on official notice that those dependents are making a claim. In most cases, this is the paper that opens the death case file. As a result, it creates a clear record of who is claiming and why.
Death benefits in South Carolina typically cover weekly payments to eligible dependents and certain funeral costs. The exact amounts depend on the worker’s wages and the rules in effect. We do not list those figures here. Instead, confirm them directly with the Commission and a licensed attorney. For a broader look at the system, see our guide to South Carolina workers comp requirements.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Form number | Form 52 |
| Form title | Employee’s Notice of Claim, Death Case |
| Who files | The dependents of a deceased worker |
| Where filed | South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission |
| Fee | No fee to give notice; $50 if a hearing is requested |
| Official PDF | Form 52 (official PDF) |
Who Files the South Carolina Workers Comp Form 52 and When
The dependents of the deceased worker file South Carolina workers comp Form 52. Typically, that means a surviving spouse, children, or others who relied on the worker’s income. Who counts as a dependent is set by state law. For example, some family members qualify automatically, while others must show they relied on the worker for support. If you are unsure whether you qualify, the Commission and a licensed attorney can help you confirm it.
Timing matters. South Carolina law sets a deadline to file a death claim, and missing it can end the claim. The rules on timing can also turn on when the death happened and when the injury was reported. Because of this, do not wait until you feel fully ready. Grief is hard, and it is okay to ask for help with the paperwork.
In most cases, filing South Carolina workers comp Form 52 early is the safest move. It protects the family’s rights even while other details are still being sorted out. You can usually add documents and details later as the case moves forward.
How to Fill It Out and Where to Send It
Start by downloading the current official South Carolina workers comp Form 52 PDF. You can also find it on the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission forms page. Always use the latest version from the Commission. Older copies saved online may be out of date.
The form typically asks for the deceased worker’s name and job details, the employer’s name, and the date and place of the injury. It also asks about the death and about each dependent making a claim. Read every section slowly. Have the death certificate, pay records, and any medical records nearby. These help you fill in dates and details accurately.
Common problems that cause delays or rejections include:
- Missing or wrong employer name or insurance information.
- Leaving out a dependent, or not explaining how each person depended on the worker.
- Blank dates for the injury or the death.
- No signature, or an outdated version of the form.
- Asking for a hearing without paying the $50 hearing fee.
The completed form goes to the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission. The Commission offers electronic filing for many documents, and paper filing may also be accepted. However, filing methods can change. Check the Commission’s website or call the agency to confirm how to send it. Keep a full copy of everything you file. For the bigger picture, read how to file a South Carolina workers comp claim.
What Happens After You File
After South Carolina workers comp Form 52 is filed, the Commission records the claim. The employer and its insurance carrier are then expected to respond. In some cases, the carrier accepts the claim and begins paying benefits. In other cases, the carrier denies it or disputes who qualifies as a dependent. If that happens, the family may request a hearing before a commissioner. Requesting a hearing carries the $50 fee.
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If you have questions about where your claim stands, contact the Commission directly. You can learn more about how the agency works in our guide to the South Carolina workers comp board. Many South Carolina families also speak with a licensed workers’ comp attorney. Most attorneys in this field offer a free first consultation. That can help you understand your options before you decide anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it cost money to file South Carolina workers comp Form 52?
No. There is no fee to give notice of a death claim. However, if you request a hearing, the fee is $50. Confirm current fees with the Commission before filing.
Can more than one dependent be listed on South Carolina workers comp Form 52?
Yes, the form is meant to cover the dependents of the deceased worker. In most cases, you should list every person who relied on the worker for support. Leaving someone out can slow the claim, so check with the Commission or an attorney if you are unsure.
What if the insurance company says the death was not work-related?
This is a common dispute, and it does not end your rights. Typically, the family can ask for a hearing so a commissioner can decide. Medical records and witness statements often matter a great deal, so keep copies of everything.
South carolina workers comp form 52: Quick Recap
If you remember one thing about south carolina workers comp form 52, make it this: the rule is set by the state (or the federal program), not by the insurer, and the official source is linked above. Every figure on this page about south carolina workers comp form 52 should be confirmed with the agency before you act on it.
Questions about south carolina workers comp form 52 that this page does not answer are usually answered for free by the state workers’ comp agency’s information line — and, for a disputed claim, by a licensed attorney in a first consultation.
See your state’s exact numbers
What you are owed depends on your state’s benefit caps and deadlines. Start with your state’s settlement and claim guides for the exact figures.
Sources & How to Verify
The figures on this page come from official government and industry sources. Workers’ comp benefit caps, deadlines, and rules change, so always confirm the exact figure with your state’s workers’ comp board or a licensed attorney before acting. Settlement estimates are illustrative, and every case is different.
- Your state workers’ comp board, division, or commission: the official source for your state’s exact caps, deadlines, and forms — search “[your state] workers compensation board”
- U.S. Department of Labor (OWCP): dol.gov — federal workers’ compensation overview
- NCCI: ncci.com — workers’ comp rating and benefit data
- Social Security Administration: ssa.gov — benefit-cap and SSDI offset data
- Insurance Information Institute: iii.org — neutral workers’ comp background
Content last reviewed October 2026. If you notice an outdated figure, please contact us.
Related Guides
- South Carolina Workers Comp Board
- How to File a South Carolina Workers Comp Claim
- South Carolina Workers Comp Requirements
- Workers Comp Settlements by State (All 50)
- Workers Comp Claims by State (All 50)
- More in This Category
- Settlements by Injury
- Benefits Explained
- Workers Comp Glossary
Informational only — not legal, medical, or financial advice. Workers Comp Explained is an independent educational resource, not a law firm, insurer, or medical or financial advisor, and this page does not provide legal, medical, or financial advice. Workers’ compensation benefits, deadlines, and rules vary by state and change over time, and settlement estimates are illustrative only. Always confirm the exact figure and any deadline with your state’s workers’ compensation board and a licensed attorney before you act.