No-fault Replacement Services

Q. CAN I BE COMPENSATED FOR HIRING SOMEONE TO DO MY USUAL WORK AT HOME?
A. To qualify, you must be the "PRIMARY HOMEMAKER." The No-fault Act allows reimbursement of services performed on behalf of the "primary homemaker." In this modern age, both husband and wife may qualify for this benefit. You can receive up to $200 per week for replacement services such as housecleaning, child care, yard work and snow removal, even if the homemaker was or is employed outside the home. [Minnesota Statutes 65B.44].

Q. CAN I START GETTING REPLACEMENT SERVICES REIMBURSEMENT STARTING THE DAY OF THE ACCIDENT?
A. The day of the accident and the first seven days following the accident are excluded. The benefits start on day EIGHT. These benefits are subject to a maximum of $200 per week.

Q. HOW DO I KEEP TRACK OF COSTS FOR REPLACEMENT SERVICES?
A. Sit down and make a list of activities you performed before the injury and the time involved. Then add to that list those activities you cannot do as a result of the accident, the person now performing those tasks, and the time involved as well as any cost to you.

B. If your spouse or someone close to you is now performing replacement services, you may pay them with a check for the "reasonable value" of the services. Give that information to your No-fault adjuster, who will reimburse you. "Reasonable value" would be considered the hourly "going rate" for work described above and in most regions $10.00 to $15.00 per hour is an acceptable "going rate." Ask your adjuster if the going rate is higher than $10.00 per hour.

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