Workers’ Compensation benefits can be confusing, especially Temporary Total Disability (TTD) and Permanent Partial Disability (PPD). Both are designed to help employees who have been injured on the job, but they serve different purposes and have different requirements. Let’s explore the differences between TTD and PPD benefits so you can better understand what you are entitled to if you are injured at work.
Temporary Total Disability (TTD) Benefits
Temporary Total Disability (TTD) is when a work-related injury prevents an employee from performing regular job duties. The employee is entirely unable to perform their work tasks (total disability) but only for a short period of time until they recover from their injuries (temporary) and can return to work.
These benefits are designed to provide financial support to employees who cannot work due to workplace injuries. TTD benefits are paid weekly and intended to cover lost wages while the employee cannot work. The amount of TTD benefits that an employee is entitled to receive is typically based on their average weekly wage before the injury.
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 January 1, 2023.
To qualify for TTD benefits, an employee must be unable to work for a certain period of time. This period of time is typically determined by their doctor and is based on the severity of their injuries. Additionally, to receive TTD benefits, employees must be under active medical care and follow their doctor’s orders.
Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) Benefits
PPD stands for Permanent Partial Disability benefits. PPD benefits are designed to provide financial support to employees who have suffered a permanent partial disability due to their workplace injury. These injuries fall into two categories to calculate.
“Scheduled” or “Extremity” Injuries
As the name implies, this type of injury affects a worker’s extremities, including the toes, fingers, thumb, hands, feet, knees, elbows, arms, and legs. The sensory organs are also included. Loss or loss of use of any of these body parts is granted a specific number of weekly benefits determined by a printed schedule.
Whole-Body, Whole-Person, Non-Scheduled, or Unscheduled Injuries
These injuries are to those body parts not listed on the permanent partial disability schedules maintained by Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation. Such injuries include those affecting the entire body, torso, trunk, head, and internal organs.
To qualify for PPD benefits, an employee must have suffered a permanent partial disability due to workplace injury. The specific criteria for qualifying for PPD benefits can vary depending on the damage.
Permanent Partial Disability benefits are capped at 70% of the employee’s average weekly wage, not to exceed $360 per week, effective July 1, 2021. This amount is used in benefit calculations along with your PPD percentage rate. Benefits are generally provided in a lump sum payment. A disability rate and benefits schedule is then used to compute your total PPD settlement amount.
TTD and PPD Benefits Help in Oklahoma
TTD and PPD benefits are two types of workers’ compensation benefits that serve different purposes. TTD benefits are designed to provide financial support to employees who cannot work due to their workplace injuries. In contrast, PPD benefits are intended to compensate employees for the permanent loss of function due to workplace injury.
Understanding the differences between these two types of benefits is essential to receive the appropriate compensation if you are injured at work. The Armstrong Law Firm, PLC, fights for Oklahoma workers who have been injured while on the job. We can help you ensure you get the maximum total benefits you deserve. Contact us today to learn more.