What is temporary partial disability in US workers' comp?
Temporary partial disability (TPD) is paid when you can work during recovery but only at reduced hours or lighter duty that pays less than your pre-injury job. It bridges part of the wage gap, usually two-thirds of the difference between your pre-injury and current weekly earnings, until you recover.
How is the temporary partial benefit calculated?
Take your pre-injury average weekly wage, subtract what you now earn on light duty, and multiply the difference by about two-thirds. For example, a $400 weekly wage loss produces roughly a $267 weekly benefit, subject to the state maximum weekly rate and the state cap on total weeks.
How long can temporary partial disability be paid?
Most states cap the total number of weeks of temporary partial disability, commonly between 225 and 450 weeks, or until you reach maximum medical improvement. After that, any permanent effects are addressed through permanent partial or permanent total disability benefits.
What happens when I reach maximum medical improvement?
At maximum medical improvement, temporary benefits (both total and partial) stop because your condition has stabilized. A physician then assigns any permanent impairment rating, and your claim moves to permanent partial disability or, in severe cases, permanent total disability.