Workplace hazards are a reality for many workers, and many employees experience injuries or illness as a result. In such a predicament, it’s natural for affected employees to experience confusion and stress regarding their recovery and whether they will resume work in time. Luckily, employees are typically entitled to compensation under these circumstances.
One key component of the workers’ compensation system is temporary disability benefits. It helps replace lost wages when a worker is unable to return to work for a limited time. Understanding how these benefits work, who qualifies for them and how to access them is important for every employee.
What is workers’ compensation?
Workers’ compensation is a safety net that helps ensure ill or injured workers don’t have to worry about:
- Lost wages
- Medical care expenses
- Rehabilitation support
In exchange, workers generally relinquish the right to sue their employer for negligence.
What are temporary disability benefits?
Temporary disability (TD) is a specific component of the compensation system dedicated to employees who cannot work for a short time due to their injury or illness. This type of benefit can be total for workers who are completely unable to work and partial for workers who can perform some, but not all, work tasks. These benefits can help replace a portion of the worker’s wages, and payments often continue until the worker:
- Returns to work
- Reaches maximum medical improvement (MMI)
- Is deemed permanently disabled
Injured employees can qualify for temporary disability benefits following a work-related accident. To secure this form of compensation, affected workers should report their injury as soon as it occurs and follow up with any required forms or medical assessments. Delays can lead to disputes or denials of benefits.
Affected employees should also make an effort to stay in touch with their employer, medical provider and insurance adjuster before securing compensation. Additionally, employees should be aware that some employers unintentionally misinform workers about their eligibility.