Workers’ compensation can pay wage replacement benefits when a work injury keeps you from working, or limits the work you can do, as certified by a doctor. The site’s benefits guide explains that these benefits are separate from medical care, and they depend on work status, medical restrictions and pay records.
The short answer
If your doctor says you cannot work, or can only do light duty that your employer cannot provide, wage benefits may apply for the period you are off work or on reduced hours. If you can return to light duty and your employer provides it, the situation may be different. Keep doctor notes, restrictions and pay records, because they are the basis for any wage claim.
Off work, light duty and partial work
Three situations are common: fully off work, on light duty with reduced hours or pay, and back at full duty. Each has different consequences for benefits. Tell your doctor and your employer promptly about changes in your work status, and keep written copies of restrictions and any light-duty offer.
Records that matter
Pay stubs, work schedules, doctor notes, restriction letters and benefit letters all help show when you missed work and why. If a benefit payment is delayed or seems wrong, compare it with your own records and ask the claim contact for a written explanation.
What to do next
- Follow your doctor’s work restrictions, and give copies to your employer promptly.
- Keep pay records, schedules and restriction letters in your claim file.
- Ask in writing about any missed or delayed wage benefit, and keep the reply.
- Read Illinois Workers’ Compensation Benefits Overview and Returning to Work After a Work Injury.
Verify against the IWCC: Wage benefit rules and amounts can depend on wages, work status and the facts of a case, and no specific rate is stated on this page. Check current guidance with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission. If you are seriously hurt, get emergency care first.
This page is general information only. It is not medical advice, not legal advice, and this site is not a law firm. See the Disclaimer.