By: Virtus Law Group, Birmingham Alabama

Temporary Total Disability (TTD) payments play a crucial role in the workers’ compensation system in Alabama, providing financial support to employees who have sustained work-related injuries or illnesses that temporarily prevent them from performing their job duties. Understanding how TTD payments work in Alabama is essential for both injured workers and employers to navigate the complex landscape of workers’ compensation.

1. Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible for TTD payments in Alabama, an employee must have suffered a work-related injury or illness. This injury or illness must be certified by a medical provider, emphasizing the importance of timely and accurate medical documentation. The injury must also lead to temporary total disability, meaning the worker is unable to work due to their condition.
2. Benefit Calculation: TTD payments are designed to provide financial assistance to injured workers during their recovery period. In Alabama, these payments typically amount to two-thirds (66.67%) of the employee’s average weekly wage, up to a maximum weekly limit as determined by state law. The benefit amount is calculated based on the employee’s pre-injury earnings.
3. Waiting Period: Alabama has a waiting period for TTD benefits. Generally, benefits are not paid for the first three calendar days of disability unless the disability lasts for more than twenty-one days. Should the disability last more than three calendar days, the first three days after the injury shall be added to and payable with the first installment due the employee after the expiration of the 21 days.
4. Duration of Benefits: TTD benefits are provided until the injured employee reaches a state called “maximum medical improvement” (MMI). MMI is the point at which the medical condition has stabilized, and further treatment is unlikely to significantly improve the employee’s condition. Once a worker reaches MMI, they may transition to other types of workers’ compensation benefits if they have not fully recovered.
5. Filing a Claim: To initiate the process of receiving TTD benefits, the injured worker must report the injury to their employer promptly. After reporting the injury, the employee should file a workers’ compensation claim. Employers are then obligated to report the injury to their workers’ compensation insurance carrier, which will investigate the claim and determine eligibility for benefits.

Temporary Total Disability (TTD) payments in Alabama are a vital component of Alabama’s workers’ compensation system. They provide crucial financial support to employees temporarily unable to work due to work-related injuries or illnesses, helping them cover living expenses and medical bills during their recovery period. Understanding the eligibility criteria and the claims process is essential for both employees and employers to ensure a fair and efficient resolution of workers’ compensation cases. Workers’ compensation laws can be complex, and changes may occur, so it’s advisable to consult with knowledgeable professionals or legal experts to navigate the system successfully.