How Do Temporary Disability Benefits Work?

When you need medical treatment for a work-related injury or illness, your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance pays for it. You may need time off from work to allow your treatment to help you recover. Does that mean you lose your wages or salary?

The good news is you do not have to lose a stream of income. In addition to paying for medical treatment, your employers’ workers’ compensation insurance pays temporary disability benefits (also known as TTD, for total temporary disability). TTD are biweekly payments to make up part of your lost wages. When your workers’ compensation claim is accepted and you take time off from work, you receive TTD until you reach a certain point in your recovery.

Workers’ compensation laws concerning TTD can be complex, so this article will address some frequently asked questions about it.

How Much Can You Expect from TTD?

TTD pays two-thirds of your average weekly earnings. While TTD only pays part of your normal salary, it is not subject to taxes. Additionally, if you work multiple jobs, the insurance company pays for your lost income from the job you were not injured at. Therefore, you will be substantially supported by TTD during your time off work.

What Qualifies You for TTD?

You do not automatically receive TTD following a work-related injury or illness. First, your workers’ compensation claim must be accepted. If your claim is initially denied, you may later receive TTD subject to any reimbursement for state unemployment benefits you alternatively receive.

Second, you meet the following conditions:

·       You are physically disabled from working.

·       The disability results from an injury or illness that is covered by workers’ compensation insurance.

·       For the time being, this disability is deemed temporary.

·       As a result of the disability, you are missing out on wages.

In most cases, these conditions are generally met. However, they must be present to qualify a workers’ compensation beneficiary to TTD.

How Do You Get Paid TTD?

Your employer or its insurance provider has several ways to pay you your TTD:

·       A written instrument that is immediately negotiable to cash (for example, a check).

·       Direct deposit of the funds to your bank account.

·       Through a prepaid card account if you choose it.

You may be concerned about relying on these payments from your employer or the insurance company while you are off work. By law, if your TTD is not timely paid, you get ten percent more benefits. Your employer is automatically liable for this increase and you do not need an order from the judge for it.

What Could End Your TTD?

Your TTD benefits can end under several situations, including but not limited to:

·       Expiration of 104 weeks. TTD benefits are temporary. By law, they can only be made for 104 weeks.

·       You voluntarily return to work for any employer.

·       You are cleared to return to work by your doctors and the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board.

·       You unreasonably refuse to submit to medical treatment.

·       You achieve “permanent and stationary status.” This classification triggers a new phase in your workers’ compensation claim and may provide other continuing benefits.

You should know that your TTD benefits will not end without you being notified about it. Your employer will advise you that payments will end and give you the reason for it.

Consult an attorney anytime your TTD payments are affected to ensure your financial interests are protected.

Do You Continue to Receive TTD After You Have Been Fired or Laid Off?

You can continue to receive TTD benefits after you have been fired or laid off and you are totally disabled and unable to perform any kind of work and earn any income.

But if you are partially disabled and released by your doctors to work, your benefits are likely affected. Its best to talk directly with a workers’ compensation attorney to know what benefits you can continue to expect.

Can I Collect TTD and Other State Assistance at the Same Time?

To protect its citizens experiencing difficult times, the state of California pays disability benefits and unemployment benefits.

You cannot receive state disability benefits at the same time as workers’ compensation benefits. If you are injured and receiving state disability benefits, it is likely because your employer denied your workers’ compensation claim. State disability benefits are intended for nonwork-related injuries and illnesses. If you later win your case and your employer accepts your claim, you do not receive past TTD payments. Instead, your employer must reimburse the state for those past disability benefits.

You may be able to receive state unemployment benefits at the same time as workers’ compensation benefits. If you are partially disabled and unemployed, you may be able to receive unemployment benefits while you look for work. However, you should expect your TTD benefits to be reduced.  

SoCal Workers Comp Has Answers and Solutions

The people who work at SoCal Workers Comp understand the importance of supporting yourself and your family while you are unable to work following a work-related injury or illness. We can help protect your right to full and timely benefits. Speak with us now or schedule a free consultation at SoCal Workers Comp to get answers to your questions and a plan to secure the support you deserve while you recover.

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