Temporary disability benefits

Temporary disability (TD) benefits are payments you get if you lose wages because your injury prevents you from doing your usual job while recovering.

What can I expect?

Temporary disability pays two-thirds of the gross (pre-tax) wages you lose while you are recovering from a job injury. However, you cannot receive more than the maximum weekly amount set by law. You should report to the claims administrator all forms of income you receive from work, including wages, food, lodging, tips, commissions, overtime and bonuses. You should also report earnings from work you did at other jobs at the time you were injured.

TD payments begin when your doctor says you can't do your usual work for more than three days or you get hospitalized overnight. Payments must be made every two weeks. Generally, TD stops when you return to work, or when the doctor releases you for work, or says your injury has improved as much as it's going to.

What if I disagree with the doctor’s opinion regarding my ability to work?

At some point during your claim, you or the claims administrator might disagree with what your treating physician reports about your injury or treatment. When there is a disagreement, you may be evaluated by a qualified medical evaluator (QME). To qualify as a QME, a physician must meet additional educational and licensing requirements. They must also pass a test and participate in ongoing education on the workers' compensation evaluation process. If you have an attorney, your attorney and your claims administrator might agree on a doctor to resolve medical disputes. This doctor is called an agreed medical evaluator (AME).

Want to learn more? Find it in the guidebook

Did you know?

  • You can contact the Information and Assistance Unit if you have questions or call the DWC Information Services Center at 1-800-736-7401 to speak to a live representative.
  • You can find current rates on the benefits chart.
  • You don't pay federal, state or local income tax on TD benefits.
  • Some employers may provide an alternate benefit to temporary disability.

Questions workers have:

March 2023