Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance that provides wage replacement, medical benefits and other benefits to employees who are injured or become ill due to their work.
One of the most important questions injured workers have is how long they can receive workers’ compensation benefits in California. The answer to this question depends on several factors, including the severity of the injury, the type of benefits being received and the worker’s ability to return to work.
Temporary disability benefits
One of California’s most common types of workers’ compensation benefits is temporary disability benefits. These benefits are designed to replace a portion of an injured worker’s wages while they cannot work due to their injury or illness. In California, temporary disability benefits can be paid for up to 104 weeks within a five-year period.
However, temporary disability benefits are not paid at 100% of an injured worker’s wages. Instead, they are calculated based on a percentage of the worker’s average weekly wage. The maximum weekly benefit for temporary disability in California is $1,619.15 as of 2023.
Permanent disability benefits
When injured workers cannot fully recover from their injury, they may be eligible for permanent disability benefits. These benefits are designed to provide ongoing financial support to workers who have sustained a permanent impairment due to their work-related injury or illness.
The permanent disability benefits an injured worker is eligible to receive depend on several factors, including the severity of the injury, the worker’s age and occupation. In California, permanent disability benefits are typically paid out over years rather than as a lump sum.
It’s important for workers who have been injured on the job to understand their rights and the benefits available to them. In California, the workers’ compensation system is designed to protect injured workers and provide them with the support they need to recover from their injuries and return to work.
