Temporary total disability checks

What temporary total disability pays in six states

Most states pay about two-thirds of your average weekly wage, up to a weekly cap. A few pay more. Your average weekly wage is your normal gross pay in the weeks before the injury, often with overtime.

Here is what six states set. Each row links to the state's own page.

Every state's rate and cap is on our workers comp benefits by state table. To turn your own pay into a number, use the weekly check calculator.

When the first check comes

No state pays from day one. There is a short wait and then the money starts.

In California, checks begin when your doctor says you can't do your usual job for more than three days or you stay a night in the hospital. They must come every two weeks.

Texas pays once you have missed eight days. The first week is paid only if you are out 14 days or more.

Pennsylvania works the same way with a seven day wait. After 14 days off, the first seven days are paid back. If you report fast and the claim is accepted, the first check should come within 21 days of your first missed day.

Total or partial: what the doctor's note decides

TTD means your doctor says you can do no work at all. If you can do some work for less money, you get temporary partial pay instead, which is smaller.

New York shows how the degree of disability moves the check. A worker who earned $500 a week and is 100% disabled gets $333.33 a week. At 50% disabled, the same worker gets $166.67.

So the words on each work status note matter. Read every note before you leave the office. If it says you can work and you can't, tell the doctor why that day. When the doctor clears you for lighter work, read what to expect when you go back.

When TTD stops

Checks end for one of three reasons. You go back to work, your doctor releases you or you reach the point where you will not get any better. California lists all three: TD stops when you return to work, the doctor releases you or your injury has improved as much as it will.

Most states also put a time limit on it. California stops TTD at 104 weeks within five years of the injury for most injuries. Texas ends it 104 weeks after your eighth day of disability. Florida also stops temporary checks after 104 weeks at most.

Pennsylvania uses a check at the same mark. After 104 weeks, the insurer can ask for an exam to see if you are at least 35 percent impaired.

The end of TTD is often the start of the next benefit. Read about maximum medical improvement, then permanent partial disability or permanent total disability.

If the check is late, short or cut off

Look for a written notice first. Insurers usually have to tell you why a check changed. Ask for the reason in writing if you got none.

1. Check the math against your pay stubs from before the injury.
2. Write down the date of each check and the amount.
3. Keep every work status note from your doctor.

If the checks stopped, read what to do when payments stop. If the claim was turned down, read how a denial is appealed.