If you’ve been injured on the job, it’s important to understand the different types of disability (a.k.a. wage loss) benefits available under workers’ compensation. Knowing the difference between temporary total and temporary partial disability benefits can help you plan for recovery and protect your financial security.
Temporary Disability: Getting You Through Recovery
Temporary disability benefits are designed for workers who cannot work while recovering from a workplace injury, but are expected to eventually return to their job or another suitable position. Under Pennsylvania law, an injured worker is eligible to receive wage loss benefits when an injury negatively affects a workers’ earning power. There are two main types:
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD): Paid when you cannot perform any work due to your injury. Benefits usually cover a portion of your lost wages until your doctor releases you to return to work.
- Under Pennsylvania Law, there is no specific duration of total disability benefits; however under certain circumstances, total disability benefits can be modified to partial disability benefits, which does have a maximum cap (see below)
- Temporary Partial Disability (TPD): Paid when you can work part-time or perform modified duties, but your earning capacity is reduced because of your injury.
- Pursuant to Pennsylvania law, TPD benefits have a maximum duration of 500 weeks of benefits
Why Understanding Wage Loss Benefits Matters
- Planning for the future: Knowing which type of benefit applies helps you manage finances and make informed decisions about treatment and work.
- Maximizing benefits: Some workers may qualify for both temporary and permanent benefits at different stages; understanding this can help ensure you receive everything you’re entitled to.
- Legal guidance is key: Workers’ compensation law can be complex, and missteps in filing or understanding your claim could cost you benefits.
Protect Your Rights
At Stark Law Group LLC, we help injured workers navigate the complicated world of workers’ compensation. Whether your injury is temporary or permanent, understanding your benefits and obligations is crucial to protecting your health and your financial future.