What is the difference between total and partial disability benefits?

When you receive workers’ compensation benefits, you will fall into one of two categories. Your injuries will either qualify you for total disability or partial disability.

Understanding these categories is essential as it will affect your benefits and other aspects of your claim.

Partial disability status

If you receive the partial designation, it means your injury or condition only disables you partially. You may still be able to do some aspects of work but not all. It also means you can only get benefits for up to 500 weeks.

A partial disability designation occurs when your doctor says your impairment is 35% or more.

Total disability status

Total disability means you are unable to do any work. Your injury or condition is so severe that you cannot do anything that you did before in your job. It occurs when the doctor rates your physical state at less than 35% impairment.

You can receive benefits for the entire time you have the total disability rating. However, your employer can ask for a review after 104 weeks to see if you remain at total disability status.

Importance of status

Your status under workers’ compensation is important to note. It will tell you how long you can receive benefits. If you reach the maximum on partial disability, you will have to figure out how to return to work so that you can continue to have an income.

Contact an experienced workers’ compensation attorney for a free, no-obligation consultation to learn how we can help you. Call 610-892-9300 or contact us online.