The Difference Between Temporary and Permanent Disability Benefits

After a workplace injury, one of the most important parts of your workers’ compensation claim is understanding what type of disability benefits apply to you. Connecticut provides different levels of financial support depending on the severity of your injury and how long it prevents you from working.

The two major categories are temporary disability benefits and permanent disability benefits. Each serves a different purpose and is calculated in its own way.

Temporary Disability Benefits

Temporary disability benefits are designed to support you while you are recovering from your injury and are unable to work. There are two types of temporary benefits in Connecticut.

Temporary Total Disability

Temporary total disability applies when your injury prevents you from performing any work at all. During this period, you receive a percentage of your average weekly wage until your doctor determines you can return to some form of work.

Temporary Partial Disability

Temporary partial disability applies when you can return to work but not at the same capacity or as before your injury. If your employer is able to accommodate you but not at the same pay, this benefit helps fill the gap between your reduced earnings and your pre-injury wages. If your job is unable to accommodate you, you will have to perform job searches looking for a job within your restrictions. While you look for a job, you will be entitled to temporary partial disability benefits. If you are able to find a job within your restrictions but you earn less money, this benefit will fill the gap between your reduced earnings and your pre-injury wages.

Both forms of temporary disability continue until your treating doctor determines that you have reached maximum medical improvement or you are able to resume work fully.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Once your medical recovery reaches a point where your condition is not expected to improve further, your doctor may assign a permanent disability rating. This rating reflects lasting impairment or loss of function in a specific body part.

Connecticut provides permanent partial disability benefits based on a schedule set by state law. Each body part is assigned a specific number of weeks of compensation. Your permanent disability award is calculated using this schedule and your impairment rating.

These benefits are intended to acknowledge permanent loss and the long-term impact the injury may have on your earning capacity and everyday life.

Which Benefits Apply to You

Many workers qualify for both temporary and permanent disability benefits at different stages of their claims. Temporary benefits help stabilize your income during recovery, while permanent benefits help compensate for lasting loss.

An attorney can help ensure that your disability rating is accurate, your benefits are calculated correctly, and the insurance company is not undervaluing your claim.

How Sousa Law Can Help

Disability benefits play a significant role in your financial stability after an injury. At Sousa Law, we help injured Connecticut workers understand their rights, gather strong medical documentation, and pursue the full benefits they deserve.

If you have questions about what type of disability benefits apply to your case, call (203) 929 8283 for a free consultation.