Savannah Workers Comp Temporary Partial Benefits
When you have been hurt at work, you want to get your life back to normal as soon as possible. In some cases, recovery can take longer than expected, and this can impact many areas of your life.
If you are only able to return to work in a limited capacity during your recovery and you are making less money than you were before your work injury, you may be eligible for temporary partial disability benefits to bridge the financial gap until you are able to return to your normal work duties.
Requirements for Temporary Partial Disability Benefits
There is one main difference between temporary partial disability (TPD) and temporary total disability (TTD) benefits: your ability to work. In order to qualify for TTD benefits, your treating physician must determine that you are unable to work in any capacity. However, if the authorized treating physician has determined that you are able to return to “light-duty” work and your employer offers you a position within those work restrictions but at a lesser pay rate, you may be eligible to receive temporary partial disability benefits to help make up the difference between your pre-injury wage and your current wage.
How Much and For How Long?
Temporary partial disability benefits are also paid on a weekly basis and are calculated based on two-thirds of the difference between your average weekly wage before your accident and your current wage (light duty wage). The maximum amount of temporary partial disability benefits you can receive is currently $350.00 per week.
For example, if your average weekly wage before the accident was $650.00, and you have returned to light duty work making $300.00, then you will be eligible to receive temporary partial disability benefits in the amount of $233.33 (650-300 (350) x 2/3).
Please note that due to recent legislative changes, accidents occurring after July 1, 2015 are subject to a maximum TPD rate of $367.00.
