Temporary Total Disability (TTD) Benefits are available to qualified workers in Oklahoma, but the way these benefits are calculated can often be confusing. For example, if you suffer an injury at work and are unable to perform your job tasks, you may be eligible for what is known as Temporary Total Disability (TTD) Benefits. OK Workers’ Compensation determines how TTD benefit amounts are calculated on a case-by-case basis, and there are benefit caps and other considerations. An OK Workers’ Compensation Attorney can help if need guidance or if you believe you are not receiving the correct benefit amount.
What Constitutes Temporary Total Disability (TTD) Under OK Workers’ Compensation?
According to Oklahoma’s Administrative Workers’ Compensation Act (AWCA) effective from February 1, 2014, Temporary Total Disability (TTD) is when a work-related injury prevents an employee from performing his or her regular job duties. The employee is completely unable to perform their work tasks (total disability) but only for a short period of time, until they recover from their injuries (temporary) and are able to return to work.
Conversely, Temporary Partial Disability is when an employee is only partially hindered from performing their regular job tasks; he or she might be able to do a modified version of their tasks or some other job while they recover from their injuries.
Your primary treating physician under Workers’ Compensation, after consulting with any other specialists who provided treatment, will make the official determination qualifying you for Temporary Partial Disability, Temporary Total Disability or another classification for wage benefit purposes.
Calculating Oklahoma Temporary Total Disability (TTD) Benefits
If your treating physician determines that you are qualified for TTD benefits, there is a three-day waiting period before benefits begin. Your TTD wage benefits are calculated as follows:
Compensation for TTD is 70% of the injured worker’s average weekly wage, but this amount is capped. For injuries occurring from May 28, 2019 until the current date and beyond until any new changes are made, TTD is 70% of the injured worker’s average weekly wage, capped at 100% of the State’s Average Weekly Wage, which is always subject to change.
The maximum weekly benefit rate for TTD and PTD increased to $986.86 for accidents occurring from January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023. The mileage reimbursement rate increased to $0.655 beginning on January 1, 2023.
You may receive these benefits for up to 156 weeks effective May 28, 2019, pursuant to Title 85A O.S. §45 A. 1. Your first weekly wage benefit payment should arrive by the 15th day after your employer is provided notice of your injury, unless your employer disputes your right to compensation.
Here are two sample OK Workers’ Compensation TTD Wage Benefit Calculations as examples:
- Your weekly wages before becoming injured are $1100.00. 70% of $1100 is $770 – this is below the maximum weekly benefit rate of $986.86, so your weekly benefit payment is $770.
- Your weekly wages before becoming injured are $1500.00. 70% of $1500 is $1,050 – this is above the maximum weekly benefit rate of $986.86, so your weekly benefit payment is $986.86.
These sample calculations do not include disfigurement awards, mileage reimbursements or other additional benefits.
Get Help with Temporary Total Disability (TTD) Benefits
If you are unsure about the Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation benefits you should receive, contact The Armstrong Law Firm, PLC in Tulsa. Our knowledgeable and compassionate attorneys can review the circumstances of your case and help you calculate the correct benefit payment amounts you should receive. We can also help with other questions or problems with receiving your fair share of Workers’ Compensation benefits, including coverage of medical expenses and other therapies required for your recovery.
Contact The Armstrong Law Firm, PLC in Tulsa today to request a free initial consultation to review your claim.