If you have been sidelined by a work-related injury in Minnesota, wage loss benefits can be essential to maintain your financial stability. However, the terminologies can be confusing and unfamiliarity with them can derail your recovery process.
Each benefit type serves a specific purpose and largely depends on your current mobility and ability to work. Understanding the difference can ensure you receive the correct amount of compensation while recuperating from a work injury.
Temporary total disability (TTD)
You can receive these benefits when your injured state totally prevents you from working for a period of time. In Minnesota, TTD payments are usually about two-thirds of your average weekly pay before taxes at the time of your injury. TTD benefits have state-mandated weekly maximums and have a cap of 130 weeks.
Temporary partial disability (TPD)
If your injury makes you work lighter duties in a lower-paying position or with fewer hours for the meantime, you may get TPD benefits. These payments are usually about two-thirds of the difference between what you earned before the injury and what you earn now.
To qualify for TPD benefits, you must stay actively employed. Payments also last up to 275 weeks or end 450 weeks after the injury date, whichever comes first.
Permanent partial disability (PPD)
This is the compensation for when your workplace injury results in the permanent loss of use of a body part or function. Your doctor assigns a percentage rating to your affected anatomy using the state’s disability schedules to determine your payments. The set dollar amount can then be paid to you weekly or as a lump sum.
Why accuracy matters
Knowing which wage loss benefit is best for your situation affects the total amount, start date and duration of your payments. A lawyer can help advocate for the proper level of compensation while you focus on healing and recovery.
