For many hardworking individuals, suffering an injury on the job is a worst-case scenario. Not only will it disrupt the flow of productivity at your place of employment, but you will also likely have to deal with time away from work while you recover.
Being sidelined due to an injury is incredibly frustrating, and worries about the financial implications of lost wages often compound that frustration. The good news is that workers’ compensation in Iowa offers disability benefits for those who are unable to work temporarily or even permanently because of an injury on the job.
While these benefits aren’t the equivalent of your weekly wage, they will replace the substantial portion of your wages, depending on the kind of workers’ compensation disability benefits that you qualify for after your injury.
Temporary partial disability has the lowest benefits
When you have an injury that is going to keep you from performing most of the functions of your job but doesn’t fully impact your ability to work, you may qualify for temporary partial disability benefits during your convalescent period.
Given the temporary nature of the injury and the fact that it only partially affects your ability to work, the maximum benefits available will be two-thirds of your average weekly wage.
Total partial disability, healing period and permanent disability benefits are higher
When you have an injury so severe that you qualify for temporary total disability or an injury that will have permanent consequences, regardless of whether it is a total disability or a partial disability, you will potentially receive up to 80% of your average weekly wage.
However, it’s important that you realize that Iowa does have a maximum benefit allowed in these circumstances. Currently, the maximum weekly benefit for temporary total disability, healing period, permanent total disability and death benefits for surviving family members is $1,864 per week. For those receiving permanent partial disability, that maximum benefit is $1,715 per week.
While the state does routinely adjust this maximum benefit amount, it is possible that some workers will have to adjust their budget to reflect the discrepancy between what they actually earn and the maximum disability benefits available. Applying promptly and getting the right help can improve your chances of getting the benefits you need in a timely manner.