Temporary Total Disability (TTD) and Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) are both part of the South Carolina workers’ compensation system. They compensate injured workers for different things.
Bobby Jones Law explains the difference and what you need to know.
Temporary disability vs permanent disability
Temporary disability is replacement wages if a person can’t work because of a workplace injury.
Permanent disability is compensation for a permanent injury that doesn’t heal despite medical treatment.
Definitions of TTD and PPD: What Do They Mean?
TTD = Total Temporary Disability
TTD is when you can’t work because of an on-the-job injury or occupational disease. There is an initial seven-day waiting period, but if the injury prevents working for more than 14 days, the first seven days become payable.
TTD provides replacement wages as a percentage of pre-injury wages or 662/3% of the person’s average weekly wage. There is a weekly minimum of $75.00 and a maximum of $1,093.67, as of 2024.
PPD = Permanent Partial Disability
PPD compensates you for permanent disability that doesn’t heal, even with proper medical care. It is awarded after the worker reaches Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI). Payment depends on the body part injured and the extent of the disability.
Example of TTD vs. PPD in South Carolina workers’ compensation
An employee breaks their arm at work. They are unable to work for eight weeks. During this time, they receive replacement income of 662/3% of their usual wages. They are receiving Temporary Total Disability.
Once their medical care is complete, they still have a significantly reduced range of motion in their arm. They are assessed as having a disability impairment rating of 25% for the loss of the use of the arm. They receive 662/3% of their average weekly wages for loss of the use of an arm, which is payable for 220 weeks in South Carolina. These disability payments are their Permanent Partial Disability payments.
Duration of Benefits for TTD and PPD Recipients
TTD duration of benefits
When the injury completely prevents the person from working, TTD benefits may be paid for up to 500 weeks from the date of injury. If the incapacity for work is partial, the employee may claim a percentage of the difference in wages for up to 340 weeks. This is known as Temporary Partial Disability (TPD).
TTD benefits continue until the earlier of when:
- The employee goes back to work.
- The employee agrees that they can return to work.
- A physician releases the person to limited duty work, which the employer provides.
- The employee reaches maximum medical improvement (employer may request a hearing).
- An employer denies the claim in good faith (you may fight denial of your claim).
- Medical treatment is refused.
Either the employer or employee may request a hearing regarding the duration of TTD payments. If the employer does not comply with the requirement to pay TTD, they may be subject to a 25% penalty.
If an employee returns to work, but they don’t continue to work for at least 15 days, payments must resume.
Generally, TTD is available for up to 500 weeks in South Carolina. However, for certain types of catastrophic injuries like paraplegia, quadriplegia, and severe brain injury, the 500-week limit may not apply.
PPD duration of benefits
PPD benefits are payable for a set number of weeks, which varies by body part. For example, the loss of the thumb is payable for 65 weeks. The loss of an eye is paid for 140 weeks. There is a list of the various body parts and related payment lengths.
If a body part isn’t listed, benefits are payable up to 500 weeks, determined by the commission as a ratio that the loss of the use of the body part bears to the whole person. Total and permanent disability are payable for 500 weeks.
The amount paid depends on the severity of disability, expressed as an impairment rating. The amount paid is 662/3% of the person’s pre-injury wage for the listed number of weeks, according to the assigned impairment rating.
Proper and equitable benefits must be paid for serious, permanent disfigurement of a part of the body exposed in employment, such as the face or neck. Payment may be paid for up to 50 weeks.
PPD benefits may be made by lump sum. A lump sum may not be awarded to a PPD recipient who is entitled to lifetime benefits.
How a Doctor Determines Whether You Qualify for TTD or PPD
Your doctor will examine you and determine your injuries. They will evaluate whether you can perform all or any of your regular job duties.
If they believe that you can’t perform your job duties, they will excuse you for a set period of time. They may state that restrictions are appropriate if they think you can work with limitations. Then, your employer must determine if they can accommodate the restrictions.
Medical professionals have guidance for creating impairment ratings for the purpose of PPD in workers’ compensation. They will make factual determinations about the extent of your disability and then compare it to the guidelines that measure severity and loss of function. If you disagree with your rating, you may request a hearing.
Navigating the Claims Process for TTD and PPD Benefits
You have the right to have a lawyer assist you in navigating the claims process for TTD and PPD benefits. You can challenge an improper determination of your case and fight for the compensation you deserve. A lawyer can help you value your case and claim all the benefits you are entitled to.
Contact an Experienced Greenville Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Do you have questions about the difference between Temporary Total Disability and Permanent Partial Disability? Are you wondering if you are getting the benefits that you deserve following a workplace injury?
Contact an experienced Greenville workers’ compensation lawyer at Bobby Jones Law. Talk to a lawyer about your case, TTD calculation, and PPD award. Call or message us now.
