Pennsylvania’s workforce is built on determination and grit, and every hard worker deserves the peace of mind that comes with knowing they’ll be taken care of after a workplace injury. If you’re recovering from a workplace injury, one of the biggest questions is how long your workers’ compensation benefits will last. The answer can depend on many factors, including the severity of your injury and the type of benefits you’re receiving. For Pennsylvania’s dedicated workers, understanding your rights is key to making sure you and your family get the support you need for as long as it’s available.
If your benefits have been delayed, reduced, or stopped altogether, turning to an experienced workers’ compensation attorney can make all the difference in maximizing your benefits. Our legal guidance can help clarify how long you can collect benefits and what to do if payments aren’t coming through. At Freeburn Law, we’re here to answer your questions and act quickly to get your payments back on track. Whether you need help understanding your options or fighting to restore lapsed benefits, our team is ready to work for you. Call Freeburn Law today and let us protect your financial security and hard-earned benefits.
Overview of Workers’ Compensation Benefits in PA
Workers’ compensation benefits are a critical safety net. This will help cover your bills and provide for your loved ones when you’re unable to work due to a job-related injury. Knowing your rights and accessing the right type of disability benefits can make a big difference for your financial stability and your family’s well-being.
Pennsylvania’s workers’ comp system covers several types of disability benefits, depending on your injury and its impact on your ability to work. These include:
- Total disability
- Temporary total disability
- Permanent total disability
- Partial disability
- Specific loss benefits (for the permanent loss of use of a body part)
- Death benefits (for survivors of workers who have passed away from a work injury)
How Long Does Total Disability Compensation Last?
Total disability benefits are often what injured workers in Pennsylvania receive when they are unable to return to their job following an injury. These benefits are designed to replace a portion of your lost wages while you are completely out of work due to your injury.
Typically, total disability payments are about two-thirds of your average weekly wage, subject to minimums and maximums set by state guidelines. Most workers can expect these payments to last as long as a doctor certifies that they are unable to work, though there are periodic reviews and potential limits depending on the details of your case.
The 500-Week Cap on Partial Disability in Pennsylvania
If your injury allows you to work in a reduced capacity or a different job, you may be eligible for partial disability benefits. In Pennsylvania, these payments have a strict cap: they last for up to 500 weeks (just under ten years), and after that period, they stop, regardless of your ongoing health or job situation. Typically, partial disability pays about two-thirds of the difference between your pre-injury wages and what you’re able to earn now.
What Triggers a Change in Your Workers’ Comp Status?
Changes to your benefits can happen due to a variety of reasons, including:
- Reaching the 500-week limit
- A doctor determining you can return to work or your disability status changes
- Returning to your previous job or earning more in a new role
- Agreeing to a lump-sum settlement
- State law or workers' comp rule updates
Understanding the timelines and limitations on your benefits can help you make informed decisions about your recovery and future. When you know what to expect and who to call if something changes, you’re better equipped to safeguard your financial security.
Impairment Rating Evaluations (IRE) and Their Impact
An Impairment Rating Evaluation (IRE) is used in Pennsylvania to determine the extent of a worker’s permanent injuries after a workplace accident. After receiving total disability benefits for a certain period (usually 104 weeks), you may be asked to undergo an IRE. This medical exam assesses how much your personal injury affects your body as a whole and can impact whether your benefits continue as total disability or are converted to partial disability, and potentially reduce the length of your payments.
Can Workers’ Comp End Early?
Workers’ comp can sometimes end sooner than expected if an IRE shows a lower percentage of impairment, if you’re cleared to return to work, or if deadlines are missed. That’s why it’s crucial to watch for letters and notices about evaluations or changes in benefits. If you get any paperwork about an IRE or notice a change in your benefits, contact a workers’ comp attorney right away. Getting experienced legal support ensures you understand your options and don’t miss out on the benefits you and your family depend on.
Key Deadlines Every Injured Worker Should Know
- 104 weeks (2 years) after starting total disability benefits: You may be required to attend an IRE.
- Deadline to respond to IRE requests: Promptly notify if you’re scheduled or receive paperwork.
- Appeal deadlines: You usually have 20 days to challenge an IRE result or other determinations.
- 500-week cap: Partial disability benefits are generally limited to 500 weeks after an IRE.
What to Do If Your Benefits Are Reduced or Stopped
If you start to notice your workers’ comp payments have been reduced or stopped altogether, don’t ignore it; these changes can impact your recovery and your family’s well-being. Review all paperwork and communication you receive and make a note of any official decisions or reasons provided for the change. Reach out to your employer and the insurance carrier to request clear explanations of your benefits. Keep records of every document and call. Most importantly, act quickly: deadlines can apply if you want to appeal, dispute a decision, or seek additional support.
How Our PA Workers’ Comp Lawyers Can Help You Fight Back
When your workers' compensation benefits are stopped or reduced, it can create significant stress for you and your family, affecting your finances, stability, and overall well-being. You deserve to have the full support that Pennsylvania’s laws provide, and you don’t have to face these setbacks without help. At Freeburn Law, we’re ready to stand up for you, guide you through the legal process, and fight to make sure you receive the benefits you’ve earned. If your payments have been interrupted or you’re unsure about your rights, contact Freeburn Law today for the representation you need to secure your benefits.
