Last Updated: February 13, 2026

If you were injured at work in Chicago or anywhere in Illinois and cannot return to work because of medical restrictions, you may qualify for Temporary Total Disability (TTD), Temporary Partial Disability (TPD), Permanent Partial Disability (PPD), or Permanent Total Disability (PTD) benefits under Illinois workers’ compensation law.

These benefits replace a percentage of your average weekly wage (AWW) while you recover — or compensate you for permanent impairment if your condition does not fully heal.

In most Illinois cases:
• TTD and TPD are paid at approximately 66 2/3% of your average weekly wage
• PPD is based on impairment, wage differential, or loss of earning capacity
• PTD may provide weekly benefits for life in catastrophic cases

Insurance companies frequently dispute wage calculations, stop checks after IMEs, delay disability classifications, or undervalue permanent impairment.

McHargue & Jones represents injured workers throughout Chicago, Cook County, Joliet, Waukegan, and across Illinois — including CTA workers, warehouse employees, retail workers, delivery drivers, and industrial laborers — to secure full disability benefits through the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC).

Illinois workers’ compensation disability benefits may include:

• Temporary Total Disability (TTD)
• Temporary Partial Disability (TPD)
• Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)
• Permanent Total Disability (PTD)
• Wage Differential Benefits

For a complete overview of all available benefits, visit:
Illinois Workers’ Compensation Benefits

To understand how weekly pay is calculated:
How Much Does Workers’ Comp Pay in Illinois?

TTD benefits apply when your treating doctor takes you completely off work due to your work injury.

In Illinois, TTD is generally paid at 66 2/3% of your average weekly wage, subject to statutory minimums and maximums.

You may qualify for TTD if:
• You cannot work at all due to medical restrictions
• Your employer cannot accommodate your restrictions
• Your checks were stopped after an IME

If your TTD checks are delayed, reduced, or stopped, read:
Workers’ Comp Stopped My Checks in Illinois

If your check is late:
What To Do If Your Workers’ Comp Check Is Late

TPD applies when you return to work in a reduced capacity but earn less than before your injury.

This commonly occurs when employers place injured workers on “light duty.”

If your employer:
• Assigns tasks outside your restrictions
• Cuts your pay improperly
• Claims light duty eliminates TTD

You may be entitled to additional compensation.

See:
Light Duty Work in Illinois Workers’ Comp

PPD benefits apply when you suffer permanent impairment but can still work in some capacity.

PPD may be calculated based on:
• Loss of use of a body part
• Whole person impairment
• Wage differential
• Loss of earning capacity

Common injuries leading to PPD settlements include:

• Shoulder & Rotator Cuff Injuries
• Knee Injuries
• Back Injuries
• Neck Injuries

To evaluate settlement value:
Illinois Workers’ Comp Settlement Chart

PTD benefits apply when a work injury leaves you permanently unable to perform any employment.

In qualifying cases, PTD benefits may continue for life.

These cases often involve:
• Severe spinal injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Amputations
• Multiple surgical failures

PTD claims are heavily contested and often require expert medical and vocational testimony before the IWCC.

[b]Section 19(b) Trial Win – Hip Replacement Approved (Joliet IWCC)[/b]

An injured worker was denied a hip replacement and TTD benefits after the insurer claimed the condition was pre-existing.

We filed an expedited Section 19(b) hearing before the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission.

Result:
• Surgery approved
• Back TTD awarded
• IME defense rejected

Read more:
Section 19(b) Trial Win – Hip Replacement

[b]Denied Knee & Back Surgeries Approved at Trial[/b]

In separate cases involving a restaurant worker and warehouse employee, insurers denied knee replacement and spinal surgery.

After contested IWCC trials:
• Surgeries were ordered approved
• Medical bills covered
• TTD benefits reinstated

Read more:
Illinois Workers’ Compensation Trial Wins – Surgeries Approved

[b]How much does workers’ comp pay in Illinois?[/b]
Generally about 66 2/3% of your average weekly wage, subject to limits.

[b]How long does TTD last?[/b]
Until you return to work or reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI).

[b]Can an IME stop my benefits?[/b]
An IME report may cause checks to stop, but it can be challenged at the IWCC.

[b]What is the difference between PPD and PTD?[/b]
PPD applies when you have permanent impairment but can still work.
PTD applies when you cannot work at all.

[b]How is PPD settlement value calculated?[/b]
Based on impairment rating, restrictions, wage loss, medical treatment, and statutory guidelines.

See also:
Ask These 5 Questions Before Accepting a Settlement Offer

If your checks stopped, your surgery was denied, or your disability classification is being disputed, we can take action through the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission.

Call (312) 739-0000 or contact us online for a free consultation.