What is TTD in Workers Compensation?

If you’ve been injured on the job in Florida, you might hear the term “TTD” used in discussions about your workers’ compensation claim. TTD stands for Temporary Total Disability, and it’s a crucial type of benefit that provides a safety net when you’re unable to work because of a job-related injury. Understanding what it is and how it works can make a significant difference in your recovery process.

Simply put, TTD benefits are payments you receive when your doctor says you cannot perform any work while you recover from your injury. Think of it as a temporary wage replacement. This is common for injuries that require significant healing time, like a major bone fracture or recovery from surgery.

How Workers’ Comp Classifies Disabilities

To understand TTD better, it helps to know how workers’ compensation generally categorizes work-related disabilities. These classifications help determine the amount of lost wage benefits you can receive and for how long. Your medical benefits are typically handled separately.

The four main categories are:

• Temporary Total Disability (TTD): You are completely unable to work, but your doctor expects you to recover.
• Temporary Partial Disability (TPD): You can work in some capacity, perhaps with lighter duties or for fewer hours, but you earn less than you did before your injury.
• Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): Your injury has caused a permanent impairment, but you are still able to work in some capacity.
• Permanent Total Disability (PTD): You have reached maximum medical improvement, but your injury prevents you from returning to any form of employment.

Let’s break down the key differences.

Temporary vs. Permanent Disability

The main distinction here is your long-term prognosis. A temporary disability means you are expected to make a full recovery. In contrast, a permanent disability involves an injury from which a full recovery is not possible. For example, a severe back strain would likely be considered temporary, as it will heal over time. An amputation, however, would be classified as a permanent disability.

Your benefits are considered temporary until your doctor determines you have reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI). MMI is the point where your condition is not expected to get any better. Once you reach MMI, your physician will evaluate if you have a permanent impairment that may qualify you for permanent disability benefits.

Total vs. Partial Disability

This classification depends on your ability to work. A total disability means your injury prevents you from performing any type of work. A partial disability means you can still work, but with limitations.

For example, if you can return to your job with “light-duty” restrictions and earn less than before, you might be eligible for partial disability benefits to supplement your reduced income.

What Qualifies as a Temporary Total Disability?

Your treating physician is the one who determines if your injury qualifies you for TTD benefits. While every case is unique, an injury is generally considered a temporary total disability if:

• It is severe enough to prevent you from doing any kind of work.
• You are expected to recover with proper medical treatment.
• You have not yet reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI).

Some common examples of injuries that often lead to TTD include:

• Severe back injuries, like herniated discs
• Traumatic head or brain injuries
• Major surgeries requiring extensive recovery time
• Serious fractures or broken bones
• Severe burns

How Are TTD Payments Calculated in Florida?

Workers’ compensation laws vary by state, which means the calculation for TTD benefits also differs. In Florida, TTD payments are generally calculated as 66.67% (two-thirds) of your average weekly wage (AWW) from before your injury.

For instance, if your average weekly wage was $900, your TTD benefit would be approximately $600 per week. However, there is a statewide maximum amount you can receive, which changes annually. So, even if two-thirds of your AWW is higher than the cap, you will only receive the maximum amount allowed by law for that year.

In some severe cases, the benefit rate increases. Under Florida law, you may be entitled to 80% of your AWW for a limited period if you suffer a catastrophic injury, such as the loss of a limb or paralysis.

Typically, you will not be paid for the first seven days of disability unless your inability to work extends for more than 21 days. Your first benefit check should be issued by the insurance company within 21 days of you reporting the injury to your employer.

How Long Can You Receive TTD Benefits?

TTD benefits are not meant to be permanent. They typically end when one of the following occurs:

• You return to work.
• You reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI).
• You have received the maximum number of weeks allowed by law.

In Florida, a significant court ruling extended the cap on temporary benefits. You can now potentially receive TTD payments for up to five years (260 weeks), as long as you have not reached MMI and remain unable to work.

Your benefits can also be stopped if you refuse a suitable job offer that accommodates your medical restrictions or fail to comply with your prescribed medical treatment plan.