Lost Wages (TTD & TPD) in Illinois Workers’ Compensation

If you are injured at work and cannot earn your normal income, Illinois workers’ compensation provides wage replacement benefits to help replace your lost pay while you recover.

In most cases, injured workers receive about two-thirds (66 2/3%) of their average weekly wage — up to certain limits — while they are unable to work or working in a reduced capacity.

These benefits are commonly referred to as temporary total disability (TTD) and temporary partial disability (TPD).

For a full breakdown of how wages are calculated, including average weekly wage (AWW), overtime, and benefit limits, see: How much workers’ comp pays in Illinois.

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How Wage Replacement Benefits Work

Wage benefits are based on your average weekly wage (AWW), which reflects your earnings before the injury, including overtime and regular hours in many cases.

In general:

• You receive about 66 2/3% of your gross average weekly wage
• There are state maximum and minimum limits that may apply
• Benefits are typically not taxable under Illinois law

That means your take-home pay on workers’ compensation is often closer to what you were earning before the injury than many people expect.

To understand how taxes apply, see: Are workers’ comp benefits taxable in Illinois?

Wage benefits are only one part of a workers’ compensation claim. Depending on your injury, you may also be entitled to permanent disability benefits and ongoing medical care through medical benefits.

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Temporary Total Disability (TTD): When You Cannot Work at All

TTD benefits are paid when your injury prevents you from working entirely.

This typically applies when:

• Your doctor takes you completely off work
• You are recovering from surgery or serious treatment
• Your employer cannot accommodate your restrictions

For example, if you suffer a back injury and your doctor restricts you from lifting, bending, or standing, and your employer has no light-duty position available, you should receive TTD benefits while you recover.

TTD benefits continue until:

• You are released to return to work, or
• You reach maximum medical improvement (MMI)

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Temporary Partial Disability (TPD): When You Return to Work at Reduced Pay

TPD benefits apply when you are able to work, but not at your full earning capacity.

This often happens when:

• You return to light duty with reduced hours
• You are placed in a lower-paying position
• Your restrictions limit the type of work you can perform

TPD benefits are designed to make up part of the difference between your pre-injury wages and your reduced earnings.

For example, if you were earning $1,200 per week before your injury but can now only earn $800 per week on light duty, TPD benefits may cover a portion of that $400 difference.

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When Do Workers’ Comp Wage Benefits Start?

In Illinois, wage benefits generally begin after you miss more than three days of work due to your injury.

If you are off work for more than 14 days, you may also be paid for those initial days.

In practice, however, delays are common — especially if the insurance company questions your claim, your medical treatment, or your work restrictions.

If your checks are delayed or stopped, see:What to do if your workers’ comp checks are late or denied.

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What Happens When Wage Benefits Stop?

Wage benefits may stop when:

• Your doctor releases you to return to work
• The insurance company claims you are able to work
• You reach maximum medical improvement (MMI)

This is often a turning point in your case.

At that stage, the focus shifts from short-term wage replacement to long-term compensation, including:

• Permanent partial disability (PPD)
• Wage differential benefits
• Permanent total disability (PTD)

These benefits are what ultimately determine the long-term value of your case. You can learn more here:Permanent disability benefits and settlement value.

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How Lost Wages Fit Into Your Overall Workers’ Comp Case

TTD and TPD benefits provide critical financial support while you recover — but they are only one part of your case.

How long you receive wage benefits, your medical restrictions, and your ability to return to work all play a major role in:

• The value of your case
• Whether your case settles
• Whether additional long-term benefits are available

For a full overview of how workers’ compensation claims work from start to finish, see:
Illinois workers’ compensation guide.

You can also explore all available benefits here:Types of workers’ compensation benefits in Illinois.