Contact Us
DirectionsWork comp: Disability benefits -- temporary partial disability (TPD)
Temporary partial disability (TPD) is a wage-loss benefit payable to employees who are back to work, but earning less than their pre-injury gross weekly wage. It is payable at two-thirds of the difference between what the employee earned at the time of the injury and the current earnings. The benefits are payable only if the employee is employed.
Historically, laws may have included limitations on the duration of TPD benefits. It is important to remember the date of injury controls, so limitations -- if any -- in effect on the date of the injury affect the length of payment of TPD benefits.
For injuries occurring on or after Oct. 1, 2018, TPD is limited to 275 weeks of paid benefits or until 450 weeks after the date of injury, whichever occurs first. All periods of TPD for that date of injury are counted toward these limitations, except benefits paid during an approved retraining plan.
For injuries occurring from Oct. 1, 1992, through Sept. 30, 2018, TPD is limited to 225 weeks of paid benefits or until 450 weeks after the date of injury, whichever occurs first. All periods of TPD for that date of injury are counted toward these limitations, except benefits paid during an approved training plan.
If the employee is earning an inconsistent amount of wages during the period for which TPD is due, the insurer may require wage verification before it makes payment of TPD. Keep in mind that if the employee's wages are consistent for a period of time, the insurer should not require this information before making payment.
Benefits are due within 10 days of when the employee or employer sends wage verification.