When you get hurt at work in Illinois, the impact often goes far beyond physical pain. One of the most immediate and stressful consequences of a work-related injury is losing your ability to earn a paycheck. If you can’t work, how will you pay your bills? How will you provide for your family? That’s where lost wage benefits under Illinois workers’ compensation law come in. These benefits are designed to replace a portion of your income while you recover, but navigating the system can be frustrating and confusing, especially when you’re already dealing with a painful injury.
At The Law Firm of Kevin A. Moore, we know how important it is to get the financial support you deserve. This page explains what lost wage benefits are, how they work in Illinois, and what you need to do to protect your rights. Whether you’re just starting your claim or you’re running into roadblocks, this information can help you take the next step with confidence.
Types of Workers’ Compensation Lost Wage Benefits Available in Illinois
Under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, you may be entitled to several different types of wage replacement benefits, depending on the severity and duration of your injury. Each type serves a specific purpose and applies to a different stage of recovery. Understanding the distinctions is critical to making sure you’re receiving everything you’re entitled to.
Temporary Total Disability (TTD)
TTD benefits are the most common form of wage replacement. You may qualify for these payments if you are completely unable to work while recovering from your injury. That includes situations where your doctor has taken you off work entirely or your employer cannot accommodate your temporary restrictions.
In Illinois, TTD benefits equal two-thirds (66.67%) of your average weekly wage, subject to minimum and maximum limits set by the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission. Your average weekly wage is typically calculated based on your earnings during the 52 weeks prior to the injury, including overtime and bonuses if they were earned regularly.
TTD benefits start after you’ve missed three working days, and if your disability lasts 14 or more days, you can receive payment for those initial days as well. Payments are made tax-free and should be issued promptly and regularly, usually every two weeks.
Temporary Partial Disability (TPD)
If you’re able to return to work in a limited capacity or in a “light duty” position with reduced hours or pay, you may be eligible for TPD benefits. These payments help bridge the gap between your pre-injury wages and your current earnings.
TPD benefits in Illinois equal two-thirds of the difference between your average weekly wage before the injury and what you’re currently able to earn. It’s a crucial benefit that ensures you’re not penalized for trying to return to work while still healing.
Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)
Once you’ve reached maximum medical improvement (MMI)–the point at which your condition is stable and not expected to improve–you may be evaluated for PPD. This benefit compensates you for lasting impairments or limitations that affect your ability to earn income going forward.
There are multiple ways PPD can be calculated in Illinois, including:
- Scheduled injury awards (based on a set number of weeks assigned to specific body parts),
- Wage differential benefits (if you have to take a lower-paying job because of your injury), and
- Disfigurement benefits (for visible and permanent scars or deformities).
The wage differential benefit, in particular, may be of interest if your injury forces you into a lower-paying career path. In that case, Illinois law allows you to receive two-thirds of the difference between your pre-injury wage and your current earning capacity, potentially for up to five years or until age 67, whichever is later.
Permanent Total Disability (PTD)
If your injuries are so severe that you can no longer work in any capacity, you may qualify for PTD benefits. These are lifetime benefits, paid at the same rate as TTD (two-thirds of your average weekly wage). PTD benefits are typically reserved for the most serious cases, such as paralysis or the loss of both hands, arms, legs, or eyes.
How to Protect Your Right to Wage Benefits
The process of securing lost wage benefits in Illinois isn’t automatic. It requires prompt action, consistent documentation, and an understanding of your legal rights.
First and foremost, you must report your injury to your employer within 45 days. Failing to do so can jeopardize your eligibility for any benefits. The sooner you report your injury, the better–ideally, it should be reported in writing, with specific details about when, where, and how the injury occurred.
Next, make sure to follow all medical advice and attend every scheduled appointment. Insurance companies often look for any reason to argue that you’re not truly injured or that you’ve recovered enough to return to work. Missing a doctor’s visit or failing to follow treatment recommendations could be used against you.
In addition, keep copies of all pay stubs, medical records, and correspondence related to your case. These documents are crucial for calculating your average weekly wage and proving the extent of your disability.
And finally, consult with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney–especially if your employer or their insurance carrier is disputing your claim, delaying payment, or pressuring you to return to work before you’re ready. The Law Firm of Kevin A. Moore has been helping injured workers throughout Illinois fight for the benefits they deserve, and we’re ready to help you, too.
Common Issues and Questions About Lost Wages
One of the most common concerns we hear is: How long will it take to start receiving benefits? Unfortunately, the answer depends on several factors, including how quickly your employer reports the injury, whether the insurance company accepts the claim, and how soon your doctor provides documentation of your work restrictions.
Another frequently asked question is: What if my employer offers me light duty, but I can’t physically do it? In that case, you need to speak with your doctor and have them clearly outline your restrictions in writing. If the light-duty work exceeds your medical limitations, you should not be forced to accept it, and your TTD benefits should continue.
And what happens if you’re fired while receiving benefits? Illinois law prohibits employers from retaliating against employees for filing a workers’ compensation claim. If you’re terminated or face discrimination, you may have additional legal remedies available.
Don’t Let a Workplace Injury Derail Your Life
Lost wage benefits can be a lifeline when you’re injured and unable to work, but getting them isn’t always simple. If you’re struggling to get the compensation you’re entitled to–or you just want to make sure your rights are fully protected–reach out to The Law Firm of Kevin A. Moore. We understand Illinois workers’ compensation laws inside and out, and we know how to stand up to insurance companies that try to delay or deny benefits.
Let us help you move forward with the support and security you need. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Website Designed & Managed by
© 2025 The Law Firm of Kevin A. Moore. All rights reserved. Attorney advertising.