Illinois Temporary Total Disability Benefits
When you suffer an on-the-job injury that temporarily prevents you from getting back to work can put your financial stability at risk. Your workers’ compensation attorney in Chicago with Taxman, Pollock, Murray & Bekkerman, LLC will guide you through the claims process to ensure you receive the full temporary total disability benefits you are entitled to under Illinois law. Contact our legal team today to find out more about how you can get the financial support you need when you need it most.
Qualifying for Temporary Total Disability Benefits in Illinois
If you suffered an injury at work so severe that you can no longer perform your job responsibilities, you may be eligible for temporary total disability (TTD) benefits. These benefits provide financial support while you recover, ensuring that you can focus on healing without the added stress of lost wages.
Defining a Temporary Total Disability
Under Illinois law, temporary total disability applies when a workplace injury leaves you completely unable to perform your job duties for a limited period of time. The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act under 820 ILCS 305/8 guarantees wage replacement benefits to injured workers who are recovering and expected to return to work once they heal. Unlike permanent total disability benefits, TTD is meant to provide temporary financial relief while you are out of work due to your injury.
TTD benefits continue until your doctor determines that you have reached maximum medical improvement (MMI), meaning your condition is not expected to improve further with treatment. If you can return to light-duty or modified work, your TTD benefits may stop, and you could become eligible for temporary partial disability (TPD) benefits instead.
Medical Requirements and Work Restrictions
To qualify for TTD benefits, your treating physician must certify that you are unable to work due to your injury. The Illinois Administrative Code Title 50, Section 7110.50 outlines the process for determining eligibility, requiring injured workers to provide medical evidence of their condition. This includes doctor’s notes, medical reports, and diagnostic tests confirming that your injury prevents you from performing your job duties.
Even if you are unable to perform your regular job, your employer may offer a light-duty or modified work position. If your doctor approves this type of work and you refuse to accept it, you may lose your eligibility for TTD benefits. However, if your employer does not provide suitable light-duty work, you may continue receiving full TTD payments while recovering.
Illinois Temporary Total Disability Laws
Illinois law ensures that injured workers receive fair compensation while they are unable to work. Under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, TTD benefits cover two-thirds of your average weekly wage, helping you manage expenses during your recovery. Employers and the insurance companies they work with are legally obligated to provide these benefits when an employee suffers work injuries that rise to the level of TTD.
In addition, the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act outlines when payments begin, and how long benefits last. These laws protect workers from being wrongfully denied benefits or forced back to work before they are medically ready. If your employer or their insurance company disputes your claim, delays payments, or refuses to pay what you are owed, you can appeal their decision and seek the financial support you need to get through these trying times.
Find Out How a Workers’ Compensation Attorney Can Assist You
Temporary total disability benefits help injured workers recover lost wages while they heal, but denied or delayed claims can make the process frustrating. Your workers’ comp lawyer from Taxman, Pollock, Murray & Bekkerman, LLC will fight to ensure your benefits are paid in full and on time. Do not wait to take action. Get the support you need today when you fill out our online contact form or contact our legal team to schedule your free consultation.