How long does workers’ compensation last in California?

Workers’ compensation is a vital system that helps employees who get injured on the job. It provides benefits to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs. Understanding how long these benefits last is important for workers who rely on this support while they recover.

Temporary disability benefits

Temporary disability (TD) benefits replace wages lost while an injured worker is recovering and unable to perform their usual job duties. TD benefits are typically paid every two weeks at two-thirds of the worker’s average weekly earnings rate. These benefits are available until the worker can return to work or their condition becomes stable. Temporary disability benefits typically last up to 104 weeks.

Permanent disability benefits

If an injury results in lasting impairments, a worker may be eligible for permanent disability (PD) benefits. These benefits compensate for the lasting effects of a job-related injury that reduces a worker’s ability to earn a living. The amount and duration of PD benefits depend on the severity of the disability, as determined by a medical evaluation and California’s rating system.

Permanent disability benefits are generally paid every two weeks and can continue for a specified number of weeks based on the disability rating. For instance, a worker with a 10% disability rating might receive benefits for a shorter period compared to someone with a 50% disability rating. In some cases, if the disability is severe, paid benefits may be for life.

Other workers’ comp benefits

In addition to TD and PD benefits, workers’ comp also includes medical care for the injury and vocational rehabilitation services if the worker cannot return to their previous job. Medical benefits last as long as necessary to treat the work-related injury or illness. Vocational rehabilitation services help workers find new employment if they cannot return to their old job.

Planning for the future

Workers’ comp benefits in California last for different durations depending on the type and severity of the injury. Understanding these timelines can help injured workers plan their recovery and ensure they have the support they need during their healing process.