Lost Wage or Temporary Total Disability Benefits

One of the benefits provided by the Illinois Workers’ Compensation is Temporary Total Disability benefits (TTD).  This is a lost wage benefit which is paid to an injured worker while he is off work pursuant to its doctor’s orders and under active medical treatment

Note:  You must be under active medical treatment in order to receive T.T.D. benefits.  If you consistently miss scheduled medical appointments the insurance can stop payment of your T.T.D. benefits. 

Important things to know about T.T.D. benefits:

• The amount of T.T.D. benefits should be equal to sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66-2/3) of  your gross average weekly wage.  (While the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act states that overtime is not included in the calculation in establishing a weekly wage, if an employeer works consistent and mandatory overtime, the overtime should be included in the average weekly wage.)
  

• If you were working a second job and your  employer for whom you was working for at the time of the accident new about the second job, then the wages from the second job should also be included in calculating the average weekly wage.
  

• Payment of T.T.D. benefits should begin on the fourth (4th) day that the you are unable to work.  If your disability lasts for more than fourteen (14) days, then you should receive payment for the first three (3) days of work missed.

• You should receive your first T.T.D. check within fourteen (14) days from the day you have been taken off from work from their doctor. 

• You should continue to receive T.T.D. benefits until such time that your doctor releases you  to return to work without restrictions.
  

• T.T.D. benefits are subject to minimums and maximums as prescribed by the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission.
  

• T.T.D. benefits are not considered income and therefore, are not taxable.  You DO NOT have to report T.T.D. benefits on your income tax return.

There are various ways to calculate an injured worker’s gross weekly wage.   Several variations and exceptions may apply in calculating a weekly wage.  If you have questions about how to figure out your weekly wage or if you feel that the insurance company has incorrectly calculated your rate, contact the Donald W. Fohrman & Associates, Ltd., at 800-437-2571 or complete our  confidential contact form