When Can I Receive Temporary Disability Benefits Through Workers’ Comp?

 Posted on June 04, 2021 in Workers' Compensation

Certain types of injuries can affect a person’s ability to return to work while they are recovering. However, if an injury took place while a person was working or arose out of activities performed during the course of their employment, they will usually qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ comp will pay all costs related to medical care for these injuries, and if a person misses at least four days of work, they can receive wage benefits based on a temporary disability. These benefits will cover a percentage of what they would have been able to earn if they had not been injured. By working with an attorney, injured employees can ensure that they submit the correct information when filing a workers’ comp claim, allowing them to receive the benefits they need and deserve.

Temporary Total Disability (TTD)

If a person is temporarily unable to work while recovering from their injury, or if they have been approved for light work, but their employer will be unable to accommodate their needs, they can receive temporary total disability (TTD) benefits. These benefits will be paid until the employee returns to work or reaches maximum medical improvement (MMI).

TTD benefits are calculated by multiplying the employee’s average weekly wage (AWW) by 66 2/3%. AWW is the average gross wages the employee earned in the 52 weeks before they were injured. Minimum and maximum limits apply, and these are updated regularly based on the statewide average weekly wage (SAWW). For injuries that took place between January 15 and July 14, 2021, the minimum TTD benefit is $293.33 for a person with zero dependents (the minimum amounts are higher if a person has a spouse and/or children), and the maximum TTD benefit is $1,613.93.

Temporary Partial Disability (TPD)

If a person can return to work in a limited capacity, they can receive (temporary partial disability) TPD benefits to address the difference between what they are able to earn while recovering from their injuries and what they earned before they were injured. TPD benefits address the income loss a person suffers if they can only work part-time or if they are restricted to work that earns lower pay than previously earned. Benefits will be paid until the employee returns to their previous position or reaches MMI.

To calculate TPD benefits, a person’s wage differential must first be determined by subtracting the wages a person is able to earn while recovering from their injury from their AWW. That is, if a person earned $700 per week before being injured, and they earn $400 per week while recovering from their injury, their wage differential is $300. The wage differential is multiplied by 66 2/3% to determine the amount of TPD benefits that the person will receive each week.

Contact Our Bloomington Workers’ Comp Disability Benefits Attorneys

If you have been injured while working, Kanoski Bresney can help with your workers’ compensation claim, and we will make sure you take the right steps to receive the full amount of disability benefits you need and deserve. Contact our Springfield workers’ compensation lawyers and set up a free consultation by calling 888-826-8682.

Sources:

https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/iwcc/Documents/handbook.pdf

https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/iwcc/resources/Pages/benefits.aspx