Can Workers’ Comp Stop My Checks?
What Do I Do If Workers’ Comp Stops Paying Me?
First: Don’t Assume You Did Something Wrong
In Illinois, if your doctor took you off work or gave you restrictions your employer can’t accommodate, you should be receiving TTD checks every two weeks.
When checks suddenly stop, it’s usually because the insurance company changed something on their end — not because you lost your rights.
Under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, they cannot legally cut off benefits for no reason. But many still try. Perhaps the check is just late. Perhaps they’ve now decided to deny the case and fight. It’s confusing and stressful to deal with while also in pain from your injury.
Most Common Reasons Workers’ Comp Checks Stop
1. The insurance company thinks you’re “cleared” for work
This usually comes from an IME doctor — someone hired by the insurance company who may spend five minutes with you and write a report saying you can return to work. It doesn’t matter that your treating doctor disagrees; insurers often treat the IME as an excuse to stop paying.
2. They are disputing medical treatment
If they question whether your injury is work-related or whether your treatment is “reasonable,” they may stop checks to pressure you. This is extremely common after an MRI, surgery recommendation, or specialist referral.
3. They claim they are “waiting on paperwork”
Even something simple — a missing work status note or a late medical update — can trigger a pause. The problem is: they often don’t tell you.
4. They want to create financial pressure
Many injured workers live paycheck to paycheck. By stopping checks, insurers hope you go back to work early or give up fighting your case. This tactic is unethical but common.
If they are moving toward denial, these articles offer deeper insight:
Workers’ Comp Stopped Your Checks?
You may be entitled to penalties and emergency hearings. We can help.
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Call: (312) 739-0000
How to Fix the Problem and Get Your Workers’ Comp Checks Restarted
Step 1: Contact the adjuster — briefly
Ask why payments stopped and whether they need updated medical records or a new work note.
Sometimes this alone solves the issue — but if they dodge you or refuse to clarify, that’s a sign something bigger is happening.
Step 2: Check your most recent medical visit
The insurance company cannot pay you unless they have a current work status note saying:
- Off work, or
- Restricted work your employer can’t accommodate
A missing note is the #1 simple reason checks stop.
Step 3: If the insurance company won’t fix it — file a 19(b) Petition
This is how you force an insurance company to restart benefits.
A 19(b) Petition is an emergency motion that gets your case in front of an Arbitrator quickly.
Most insurers back down as soon as they see this filed — because they know they’ll lose.
Step 4: Seek penalties for improper nonpayment
If workers’ comp stopped your checks without a lawful reason, the Arbitrator can order:
- Penalty payments
- Attorney fees
- Back pay for all missed checks
Learn more about how a lawyer helps injured workers:
- Benefits of Hiring a Workers’ Comp Lawyer
- How Much a Workers’ Comp Lawyer Costs
- Switching Lawyers in Workers’ Comp
Get Your Workers’ Comp Checks Restarted
We file emergency hearings and pursue penalties when insurers break the law.
FAQ: When Workers’ Comp Stops Paying
Why did my workers’ comp checks stop?
Most commonly: IME disputes, missing paperwork, insurer strategy, or medical disagreements.
Can workers’ comp legally stop my checks?
Not without a lawful reason — and not without proper medical support.
What if the adjuster won’t call me back?
Document everything and speak to an attorney. Lack of communication is a red flag.
How fast can a lawyer restart my checks?
With a 19(b) emergency petition, many workers see payments resume within days or weeks.
