How Long Can You Receive Workers’ Compensation Benefits in California?
One of the most common questions injured workers ask is: How long can I receive workers’ compensation benefits? The answer depends on several factors, including the severity of your injury, whether you can return to work, and whether your condition becomes permanent.
If you were injured on the job in Indio, Palm Desert, Coachella, Palm Springs, Cathedral City, La Quinta, Mecca, Thermal, El Centro, or anywhere in the Coachella Valley, understanding how long workers’ compensation benefits last is essential to protecting your financial future.
Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits in California
California workers’ compensation provides several types of benefits, each with its own duration rules.
Temporary Disability Benefits
Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits are paid when your doctor determines you cannot work at all while recovering from your injury.
- TTD benefits generally last up to 104 weeks
- The 104 weeks must be used within a five-year period from the date of injury
- You receive approximately two-thirds of your average weekly wages
Some serious injuries may qualify for extended temporary disability benefits beyond the standard limits.
Temporary Partial Disability Benefits
If you can return to work but earn less due to work restrictions, you may qualify for Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) benefits.
- TPD benefits help cover the wage difference
- They are paid while you are recovering and working limited hours or duties
- These benefits end once you return to full duty or reach maximum medical improvement
Permanent Disability Benefits
If your injury causes lasting impairment, you may qualify for Permanent Disability (PD) benefits. This occurs when your doctor determines you have reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI).
- PD benefits are based on a disability rating
- The higher the rating, the longer benefits may last
- Payments can last for months, years, or longer depending on severity
In some cases, workers with serious permanent disabilities may receive payments for the rest of their lives.
Lifetime Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Under California law, certain severe injuries may qualify for lifetime workers’ compensation benefits. These typically include:
- Total loss of sight in both eyes
- Severe brain injuries
- Paralysis
- Amputations
Workers with a 100% permanent disability rating may be eligible to receive benefits for life, including ongoing medical care.
Medical Care Benefits
Medical treatment related to your work injury is covered for as long as it is reasonably necessary. Even after wage replacement benefits end, you may still receive:
- Doctor visits
- Surgeries
- Medications
- Physical therapy
- Medical equipment
Medical benefits can last a lifetime if ongoing treatment is required.
What Can Affect How Long Your Benefits Last?
Several factors determine the length of workers’ compensation benefits, including:
- Severity of the injury
- Your ability to return to work
- Medical evaluations and disability ratings
- Insurance company disputes or delays
- Whether your claim is approved or denied
Why Legal Representation Matters
Insurance companies often try to limit how long benefits are paid. Without legal representation, injured workers may receive less compensation than they deserve.
An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help ensure your benefits are calculated correctly, extended when appropriate, and protected from unfair termination.
Get Help From DG Law Group
If you’re unsure how long your workers’ compensation benefits should last, or if your benefits have been reduced or stopped, DG Law Group is here to help.
📞 Call us today: (760) 863-1800
📩 Contact us online: https://dglawgroup.com/contact/
Serving the Entire Coachella Valley
We proudly serve injured workers in Indio, Palm Desert, Coachella, Palm Springs, Cathedral City, La Quinta, Mecca, Thermal, El Centro, and all of the Coachella Valley.
DG Law Group is committed to protecting injured workers and helping them secure the full benefits they are entitled to under California law.
