Which condition must be met for an employee to qualify for wage loss benefits?

For an employee to qualify for wage loss benefits in the context of workers' compensation, they must demonstrate that they are unable to work due to a compensable injury. This is the fundamental requirement because wage loss benefits are specifically designed to provide financial support to those who cannot earn their usual wages due to an injury sustained in the course of employment.

A compensable injury refers to an injury that meets the criteria set by workers' compensation laws, meaning it occurred during work activities, is directly related to the job, and is acknowledged by the employer or the insurance provider. Without meeting this condition, the claim for wage loss benefits cannot be substantiated, as the benefits are intended to replace lost income resulting from an inability to work caused by a work-related injury.

This connection between the compensable injury and the employee's inability to work is crucial in determining eligibility for benefits, ensuring that support is directed to those genuinely affected by work-related injuries.