What Workers’ Compensation Benefits Can I Receive?
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Workers are entitled to these main benefits under Illinois workers’ compensation laws:
1. Medical Bills. Expenses for hospital visits, doctor appointments, treatment, surgery, physical therapy, and medicine are included. Some employers have a designated medical provider for workers’ compensation claims. However, you have the right to see your own doctor.
2. Disability Pay. Disability pay, referred to as “temporary total disability” or “TTD”, compensates you for the wages you’ve lost due to a work injury. In order to qualify for “temporary total disability,” a doctor must find that you are unable to work because of a work-related injury or illness. “Temporary total disability” pay compensates you for two-thirds of your usual paycheck. You are entitled to receive “TTD” until your doctor determines that you are healthy enough to return to work.
3. Vocational Rehabilitation. When an injury prevents you from doing your normal job duties, you can qualify for vocational rehabilitation, which is intended to assess what other occupations are within your ability and re-train for a new occupation so that you can still contribute to the workforce.
4. If you are a state or local government worker. Most state and local governmental workers are entitled to receive workers’ compensation benefits in the same manner as non-governmental employees. But some cannot. In Illinois, for example, police officers and firefighters cannot receive benefits through the state system.
5. If you are a federal government worker. Federal employees submit claims through the Federal Employee’s Compensation Act (FECA). Federal workers can seek workers’ compensation benefits when they are disabled while at work. Railroad workers, seamen, and other specialized employees also have specific federal acts that cover workplace injuries and illnesses.