Workers' Compensation provides covered employees with income and medical benefits if they are?

Workers' Compensation is a form of insurance that provides financial support and medical care to employees who are injured or become ill as a direct result of their job duties. The primary purpose of this system is to ensure that workers receive necessary medical treatment and financial compensation for lost wages due to work-related injuries or illnesses.

The correct answer emphasizes that eligibility for Workers' Compensation is specifically linked to injuries or illnesses that occur in the course of employment. This policy is crucial as it protects workers from the financial burdens of medical costs and lost income while simultaneously shielding employers from lawsuits resulting from workplace injuries.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe the conditions under which Workers' Compensation benefits are granted. Being unemployed or underemployed does not qualify someone for benefits under this system, nor does being a member of a union or association or having retired status. The benefits are strictly connected to incidents that arise from performing job responsibilities, highlighting the importance of workplace safety and accountability.