If you are off work for several months due to workers compensation claims, you may need to live on a little bit less. Though workers compensation is set up to afford you money while you are off of work, you may receive a smaller sum while your claim is going through your personal injury attorney. Surviving on worker's compensation while you are figuring out what is going on with a claim may be necessary for a little while. If you need to live on less for a few months, there are some things that you can do to make sure that your check lasts. 

Start a new checking account

If you have bills that are automatically debited from your account, you will need to cut these off. In order to make sure that nothing comes out of your check before you approve it, you should consider starting a new checking account. A brand new checking account will not have any automatic debits and will allow you to send and pay your bills as you see fit. If possible, use free payment methods including checks and paying bills in cash that you pull out of the bank. 

Eat out of your pantry

Everyone has food that is in the freezer or the pantry that they tend to skip over for food that they prefer. Instead of skipping anything, line up the food by its expiration date and eat all of the food in your home. Developing a stocked pantry and freezer is made for times like these. If you have a good amount of food in the pantry, try to eat at home and only purchase condiments and small extras, such as cheese, milk, and bread, to go along with the pantry food. This will help you check stretch. 

Use your insurance to the fullest

While you are out on a worker's compensation claim, you will still have the insurance that you had while working. Be sure to use the insurance for all of your health needs. Get in touch with your insurance company to determine if all of your doctor's visits, physical therapy, and medications will be covered. If possible, speak with your lawyer to determine for any disability health insurance. Doubling up on the insurance will often lead to no copay, which will allow you to use your worker's compensation income to use for your living arrangements and at-home needs.