Illinois Workers' Comp Benefits: TTD, PPD & Medical Coverage (2026)

Illinois workers' compensation provides comprehensive benefits including temporary and permanent disability payments and lifetime medical care. Understanding the benefit types and calculation methods ensures you receive all compensation you're entitled to.

Medical Benefits

Coverage: All reasonable and necessary medical treatment

Lifetime care: No time limit on medical benefits

Includes: Doctors, hospital, surgery, medication, therapy, equipment, mileage

Authorized providers: Must use employer's medical provider network

No co-pays: All approved treatment paid by carrier

Temporary Total Disability (TTD)

When you qualify: Cannot work at all due to injury

Benefit amount: 66.67% of average weekly wage (AWW)

Maximum weekly benefit (2026): $1,753.77 (133.33% of state average weekly wage)

Minimum: $352.75/week

Duration: Until return to work, reach MMI, or obtain suitable employment

Waiting period: First 3 days (paid retroactively if off work more than 14 days)

820 ILCS 305/8(b): Governs TTD benefits

Temporary Partial Disability (TPD)

When you qualify: Working but earning less than pre-injury wages

Benefit amount: 66.67% of wage difference

Maximum: Same as TTD cap

Duration: Until return to full wages or MMI

Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)

Man-as-a-whole approach: Illinois unique system

When payable: After reach MMI with permanent impairment

Doctor determines: Percentage of person as a whole affected (0-100%)

500-week base: Standard duration

Calculation: Impairment % × 500 weeks = benefit weeks

Benefit amount: 60% of AWW

Maximum: Approximately $1,315.53/week (2026)

Example:

• 20% permanent disability
• 20% × 500 = 100 weeks
• AWW $1,500/week
• Weekly benefit: 60% × $1,500 = $900/week
• Total award: $900 × 100 = $90,000

Specific Loss Schedule

For complete loss of:

• Arm: 253 weeks
• Hand: 205 weeks
• Leg: 215 weeks
• Foot: 167 weeks
• Eye: 162 weeks
• Thumb: 76 weeks
• Fingers: 46-20 weeks

Benefit amount: 60% of AWW

Permanent Total Disability (PTD)

When you qualify: Permanently unable to perform any gainful employment

Benefit amount: 66.67% of AWW

Maximum: $1,753.77/week (2026)

Duration: For life

Very difficult: High burden to prove total disability

Death Benefits

Eligible beneficiaries: Surviving spouse, children, dependents

Benefit amount: 66.67% of deceased's AWW (reduced if no dependents)

Maximum: $1,753.77/week (2026)

Duration: Varies by beneficiary status

Burial expenses: Statutory limit

Average Weekly Wage

Calculation: Based on 52 weeks before injury

Full-time: Total wages ÷ 52

Part-time: Actual earnings basis

Includes: Regular wages, overtime, bonuses

Disfigurement Benefits

Serious disfigurement: Additional benefit for permanent scarring

To head, hands, face, neck, arms below elbow, legs below knee

Maximum: Up to $20,000 (varies by severity)

Separate from PPD: Additional compensation

Vocational Rehabilitation

When available: If cannot return to previous employment

Services: Job search assistance, skills assessment

Maintenance allowance: May receive during retraining

Benefits Comparison Table

TTD/PTD max: $1,753.77/week (2026) PPD max: $1,315.53/week (2026)

FAQs

Q: How much will I receive in Illinois workers' comp? A: TTD: 66.67% of AWW, max $1,753.77/week. PPD: 60% of AWW.

Q: What is man-as-a-whole rating? A: Illinois' system rating person as a whole, not specific body parts.

Q: How long do benefits last? A: TTD until return to work or MMI. PPD for weeks based on rating. PTD for life.

Q: Can I get lump sum? A: Yes, through settlement or commutation.

Related Topics

• Filing an Illinois Workers' Comp Claim
• Maximum Medical Improvement
• Illinois Workers' Compensation Overview

Legal Disclaimer

Consult a qualified Illinois workers' compensation attorney for advice about your benefits.

Last updated: January 5, 2026