The Four Types of Maryland Workers’ Comp Disability Benefits

In Maryland, there exist four types of disability benefits associated with workers' compensation cases: temporary total disability; temporary partial disability; permanent partial disability; permanent total disability. Each category offers varying degrees of financial support and alternative work accommodations for an injured worker.

Below we explore each of the four types of disability benefits available in Maryland.

Temporary Disability Benefits

These benefits cover a portion of lost wages stemming from being off work because of an injury that does not lead to a permanent disability. Furthermore, it is important to note that a worker will not be paid for the first three days of disability unless they require more than 14 days off work.

Temporary Partial Disability

An injured employee may be entitled to Temporary Partial Disability (PTD) benefits during the process of recovery if they are not totally disabled. Specifically, the employer or insurer pays the individual compensation equal to 50% of the difference between the employee's average weekly wage and the wage-earning capacity of the covered employee while healing from things like a broken bone.

Temporary Total Disability

When an employee is completely unable to work because of an injury but will eventually recover, they may apply for Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits. An individual receives two-thirds of their average weekly wage. Maryland sets its maximum weekly TTD rates each year ($1,080 in 2020).

Permanent Disability Benefits

Individuals with more severe disabilities, ranging from lasting, partial impairments to ones that prevent them from working ever again, may be eligible for these types of benefits.

Permanent Partial Disability

Although their injuries do not prevent them from working again, a worker may still experience a permanent impairment, such as hearing loss or diminished mobility. In this instance, they would apply for Permanent Partial Disability (PPD), which is paid out across a period that varies according to the body part injured and the severity of the injury. A complete list of benefit rates can be accessed on the Maryland Workers' Compensation Commission website.

Permanent Total Disability

Maryland law classifies individuals as totally and permanently disabled if they completely lose the use of both arms, eyes, feet, hands, or legs, or any two of those body parts combined. The nature of such injuries prevents workers from maintaining employment going forward. To compensate, they become qualified for receiving two-thirds of their average weekly wage, up to the state’s maximum benefit of $1,080.

Think You May Qualify for Workers' Compensation Disability Benefits? Get In Touch

Our team is here to provide guidance to injured Maryland workers, especially if they have questions regarding eligibility for different kinds of benefits. Take the first step by calling our office or submitting a consultation request.