What are Temporary Disability Benefits?

Temporary disability benefits are payments made to injured workers who are temporarily unable to work due to a job-related injury or illness. In Pennsylvania, these benefits are a part of the workers’ compensation system and are designed to replace lost wages while the employee recovers. Here, our Gettysburg workers’ compensation attorney provides a guide to temporary disability benefits in Pennsylvania, including what they are and how they are calculated.

Temporary Disability Benefits: The Basics

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry explains that temporary disability benefits are a type of wage replacement available through the Commonwealth’s workers’ compensation system. When a worker suffers a job-related injury or illness and cannot perform their normal job duties, they may qualify for temporary total disability (TTD) benefits. These benefits are designed to provide financial support while the worker recovers.

Note: In Pennsylvania, TTD benefits are paid after an initial seven-day waiting period—unless the disability extends for 14 days or more, in which case the first seven days are also paid retroactively.

An Overview of Your Eligibility for TTD Benefits

To qualify for temporary disability benefits, a worker must demonstrate that they are unable to work due to a work-related injury or illness. Medical documentation is key to getting the full and fair temporary disability benefits that you deserve. A key point is that a treating physician must certify that the employee is temporarily unable to perform their job duties.

Note: You may need to provide some ongoing medical updates. The insurance carrier may require periodic updates or independent medical evaluations (IMEs) to confirm continued eligibility.

How Much Will You Receive in Benefits?

Temporary disability benefits in Pennsylvania generally provide about two-thirds of the worker’s average weekly wage. However, they are subject to minimum limits and maximum limits that are set by law each year and are adjusted for changes in the cost of living. Notably, the calculation for average weekly wage is not always straightforward. It can include overtime and bonuses.

Note: The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry publishes updated benefit rate schedules annually. For example, in 2025, the maximum weekly benefit is $1,325.00.

How Long TTD Benefits Can Last in Pennsylvania

Broadly speaking, temporary disability benefits for workers’ comp in Pennsylvania are designed to last until a worker can return to the workplace. By definition, that means that temporary disability benefits are meant to be short-term. If the injured worker recovers fully, benefits will end when the worker returns to their job. If the injury results in a lasting impairment, the case may transition to permanent partial disability (PPD) or permanent total disability (PTD) benefits.

Note: The employer or insurer may also request a “Return to Work” evaluation to assess whether the worker can perform light-duty or modified tasks.

Consult With Our Gettysburg Workers’ Comp Lawyer Today

At DiLoreto, Cosentino & Bolinger P.C., our Gettysburg workers’ compensation attorney is standing by, ready to protect your rights and your interests. If you have any questions or concerns about temporary disability benefits, please do not hesitate to contact us today. With offices in Gettysburg and Chambersburg, we fight for justice for workers throughout Central Pennsylvania.