Does workers’ comp pay full salary?
Workers Compensation - December 1, 2025
If you’re injured or sick because of your job and can’t work, workers’ compensation does not pay your full salary. In Illinois, it usually pays a portion of your lost wages and covers medical treatment. A Chicago workers’ compensation attorney from Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates can help you pursue every wage and medical benefit Illinois law allows.
How much of my salary does workers’ comp pay?
In Illinois, workers’ compensation usually pays about two-thirds of your average weekly wage (AWW) for lost income, subject to minimum and maximum limits set by law
Wage calculations can be complicated depending on whether you can work at a limited capacity or cannot return to work at all, at least for a time. In some cases, wages from a second job may affect how your average weekly wage is calculated, depending on the details of your employment. Illinois also imposes minimum and maximum amounts for wage recovery.
What if I can only work in a limited capacity?
There are five different types of workers’ compensation benefits, four of which address lost wages. You collect:
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD) if your injuries prevent you from working at all during your recovery. Usually, you receive an amount reflecting 2/3rds of your AWW
- Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) if you can work a reduced load and not at full salary during your recovery. This payment makes up for your partially lost wages
If your injury causes a permanent loss of function, you may qualify for permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits. If your injury prevents you from performing any type of work, you may qualify for permanent total disability (PTD) benefits.
Do workers’ compensation benefits cover other costs?
The IWCC handbook explains the benefits injured workers may receive in addition to partial salary payments. Workers’ comp covers medical bills related to your work injury or illness. Those whose injuries prevent a return to the same position can apply for vocational rehabilitation. This benefit pays for the training required to secure employment within the worker’s changed physical capabilities.
Who pays my workers’ compensation benefits?
Per the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission Insurance page, employers must pay for workers’ compensation insurance for almost all employees who experience a work injury or illness. Employers who don’t comply face steep fines and possible additional penalties.
In most cases, benefits are paid through the employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier, though some employers are self-insured. Unfortunately, some employers don’t follow procedures for reporting your injury or might challenge your report. The insurance company may work against you, questioning your injuries and ultimately denying your benefits.
You can still fight back. We can explain how disputes are handled through the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission and guide your claim through the appeals process if needed
Is workers’ compensation the same as Social Security disability benefits?
Workers’ compensation is not the same as Social Security Disability (SSD). Workers’ comp offers protection when you sustain a job-related injury or illness. If a non-work-related condition prevents you from working, you may be eligible for SSD payments. You may also qualify for Social Security Disability benefits if your condition prevents substantial work activity for a long period of time, even after workers’ compensation benefits end.
There are a variety of factors to consider when deciding whether it benefits you most to pursue workers’ comp vs. disability benefits. An experienced attorney can help you secure benefits that apply to your situation.
We’re here to protect your interests
Connect with Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates for a free consultation if you have been injured on the job or are suffering from a job-related illness or injury. Call us at (800) 985-1819 or send a request through our contact form. Injured workers have rights. We are here to uphold your rights and protect your interests.
