Illinois workers’ compensation can pay for medical care and, in some cases, wage replacement and other benefits when a work injury keeps you from working. This is a general overview only — it is not a personal benefit estimate. See the Disclaimer.
Medical benefits
Reasonable and necessary medical care for the work injury can be covered, including doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, and physical therapy when referred and authorized. Keep bills and records, and ask about authorization before starting new treatment.
Wage replacement when you cannot work
If a doctor takes you off work or limits you to work your employer cannot provide, you may be eligible for temporary disability benefits. The amount depends on your average weekly wage and the current rate table for your injury date — do not use a general figure on this site as your personal amount. Verify rates against the current IWCC rate table.
Other benefits to know about
- Permanent partial disability: compensation for a lasting loss of use or function after you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI). See MMI, settlement vs. award.
- Vocational help: in some cases, help returning to work or retraining.
- Death benefits: for dependents if a work injury causes death.
- Wage differential: if an injury leaves you earning less in a lighter job, a wage differential may make up part of the difference. Wage differential, explained in depth.
What decides how much wage replacement is
The amount of temporary disability benefits depends on your average weekly wage and the current rate table for your injury date. Your average weekly wage is worked out from your earnings — read How Is My Average Weekly Wage (AWW) Calculated? Do not use a general figure on this site as your personal amount. Check the current rate table on the IWCC site. See also How Long Can I Receive Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Illinois? for what decides how long each benefit type lasts.
If you cannot return to your old job
If an injury keeps you from returning to your old job, vocational help can mean help returning to work or retraining. Read What If I Cannot Return to Work After an Injury? That page explains what to consider when a return to the old job is not possible.
Mileage and travel to treatment
Getting to treatment can also cost money. Read Does workers’ comp pay my mileage and travel costs to treatment? for what the page says about whether those costs are covered.
Partial fault, a pre-existing condition, or a late report can affect a claim — see FAQs. If benefits are denied or delayed, see Claim denied and Connect with a lawyer.
Verify against the IWCC: Benefit amounts and eligibility depend on the facts of a case and the rate table for the injury date. Check current guidance with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission.
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.
Need physical therapy for a work injury? Connect with a Provider.
If you need help with your claim, Connect with a Lawyer.