What You Need To Know About Temporary Disability Benefits
Posted on: 16 March 2022
Workers' compensation provides benefits to employees who are injured or become ill due to their job. The cover ensures that employees are compensated for their lost wages and medical expenses.
As part of the workers' compensation cover, employees can receive temporary disability benefits. Learn more about these benefits from this guide.
What Are the Different Types of Temporary Disability Benefits?
If the injuries you sustain while at work cause temporary disability, you can claim total or partial disability benefits.
Temporary Total Disability (TTD)
These benefits ensure that you have some form of income even when you're unable to work.
To be eligible for this benefit, you should meet the following criteria:
- A doctor has to certify that you're unable to work in any capacity
- A doctor's certification to state how long you'll be out of work
TTD payments are often based on your wages at the time of injury. These benefits are usually two-thirds of your average weekly pay.
Temporary Partial Disability (TPD)
If you go back to work in a limited capacity, you can claim partial disability benefits. For instance, if your doctor says you can only work four hours a day, you can receive benefits for the remaining hours.
To be eligible for TPD benefits, you should meet the following requirements:
- The doctor can allow you to resume work—but under restrictions
- Your employer has to provide you with an offer of modified or alternative duty
You can continue to receive TPD benefits until you either get back to work full-time or reach maximum medical improvement.
When Should You Expect Your Temporary Disability Payments to Start?
Generally, the first seven days of your disability may not be paid at first. That's because the first week is considered a waiting period.
However, if your disability lasts longer than 21 days, you may be eligible for retroactive payments. These payments will cover the first seven days of your disability.
You will have to submit a claim form and supporting documents to your employer to receive these payments.
What Happens If There's a Dispute?
If you've been injured at work, you need to understand your rights and legal options. Remember that your workers' compensation coverage provides you with much-needed financial assistance while you're out of work. So if the insurer delays or denies you temporary disability benefits, you can file a claim with your state's workers' compensation board.
A qualified lawyer can help you file your claim on time so that you don't miss the state's deadline on these lawsuits. An experienced attorney can ensure you get fair compensation within a short time.
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