TTD – Temporary Total Disability
Temporary total disability payments or TTD income benefits come into play if you are taken off work completely by the Authorized Treating Physician. This is calculated by taking two thirds of your average weekly wage (of the wages for the 13 weeks prior to the date of accident) up to the statutory maximum. For injuries prior to July 1, 2013 the maximum is $500 per week. For injuries after July 1, 2013, the maximum $550 per week. This is nontaxable.
TPD – Temporary Partial Disability
Sometimes, the Authorized Treating Physician does not believe you are totally disabled. Instead, they believe you can perform a lighter duty job or work fewer hours, and you return to work at a lower paying job. As a result, temporary partial disability payments or TPD benefits are a possibility. Calculating these benefits can be somewhat tricky. It is very important that you keep track of all of your pay stubs and any post-injury wages earned.
Time Limits
There are time limits on how long you are eligible to receive income benefits. Specifically, there is a limit of 400 weeks from the date of accident for TTD benefits. It is 350 weeks from the date of accident for TPD benefits. In the past there was no time limit on the weeks you could receive medical treatment. However, injuries occurring after July 1, 2013 have a limit or “cap” on medical benefits beyond 400 weeks from the date of the accident. This does not apply to catastrophic claims. The majority of the claims in Georgia are not catastrophic.