When are Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits typically started?

Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits are designed to assist workers who are unable to work temporarily due to a work-related injury or illness. These benefits typically begin following a physician's recommendation that the employee cannot work because of their medical condition. The physician's assessment is crucial, as it provides the necessary medical justification for the claim and confirms that the employee is temporarily totally disabled.

The requirement for a physician's recommendation ensures that benefits are only distributed when there is legitimate and documented medical evidence substantiating the disability. This is an important aspect of the workers' compensation system, as it helps prevent fraudulent claims and ensures that those who genuinely cannot work due to an injury receive the necessary support during their recovery.

In contrast, other scenarios, such as filing the claim, returning to work, or being deemed permanently disabled, do not directly influence the onset of TTD benefits. Filing a claim initiates the process, but it is the medical recommendation that triggers the entitlement to TTD benefits. Once an employee returns to work, they are no longer considered temporarily totally disabled, and thus TTD benefits would stop. Being deemed permanently disabled falls under a different set of benefits and does not apply to TTD.