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How Long Do Workers Comp Benefits Last?

Workers comp benefits have a time limit. How long depends on the benefit type, your state's rules, and the medical facts. This covers what drives each timeline.

Priya Raman
By Priya Raman, Contributing Writer, Policy & Regulation
Updated July 2, 2026

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Benefit duration is one of the most state-specific parts of a workers comp claim, and this page cannot substitute for legal advice. Duration rules vary significantly by state and case. Consult a licensed workers compensation attorney for guidance on your specific situation.

Temporary total disability (TTD) benefits end when you return to work (even light duty), reach maximum medical improvement (MMI), or exhaust the state's maximum week limit. Permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits run for a fixed number of weeks based on your injury type and impairment rating. Permanent total disability (PTD) benefits can last for life, depending on the state.

What is maximum medical improvement (MMI)?

MMI is the point where your treating physician determines that further treatment is not expected to produce meaningful improvement. It does not mean you are healed. It means the system's definition of 'getting better' has run out. Once you reach MMI, TTD ends and the question becomes whether your impairment is permanent and how severe.

TTD duration by state type

Some states impose no fixed cap on TTD weeks. Others limit benefits to a maximum: 104 weeks is common, though some use 260 or 500 weeks. Your state's rule governs. Most states require periodic medical updates confirming that disability continues.

When TTD ends before MMI

If your employer offers modified or light-duty work that falls within your physician-set restrictions, refusing it without medical justification can suspend your benefits. "Appropriate" means the position matches your restrictions, is reasonably accessible, and pays comparably where state law requires. A position that does not meet those standards can be contested with an attorney's help.

PPD: benefits by scheduled weeks

PPD benefits run for the weeks produced by multiplying your impairment rating by the injury schedule's maximum weeks for your body part. A 15% rating on a part scheduled for 200 weeks yields 30 weeks of PPD. Once those weeks are paid, the benefit ends. See what is an impairment rating for how the percentage is assigned and how benefits are calculated for the full formula.

PTD: potentially lifetime benefits

For the most severe injuries, some states pay PTD for life, or until Social Security disability begins, at which point an offset applies. A few states cap PTD by dollar amount or total weeks. Use the calculator to estimate your PPD weeks and projected benefit total.

See where your numbers land

Estimate your weekly rate and PPD total while you wait out the clock on TTD.

Open Settlement Calculator →

More on how the clock runs

Good to know

Questions before benefits run out

How long can you stay on workers comp?

For temporary total disability, benefits generally last until you return to work, reach MMI, or hit your state's week maximum (commonly 104-500 weeks). For PPD, benefits run for the weeks calculated from your impairment rating and injury schedule. PTD can last a lifetime in some states for the most severe injuries.

What happens when workers comp ends?

When TTD ends, you may return to work (in your original or modified role), receive PPD benefits if you have a permanent impairment, pursue a settlement, or, if you cannot return to work, apply for Social Security disability. Your workers comp case remains open for medical treatment until settled or formally closed.

Can workers comp cut you off without notice?

Insurers can suspend benefits if there is a legal basis (you returned to work, refused appropriate light duty, or reached the state's benefit limit), but most states require written notice before suspending benefits. If your benefits are cut without explanation, contact an attorney. Wrongful termination of benefits is challengeable.

Does workers comp end when I go back to work?

TTD benefits typically end when you return to any work, including modified or light duty. If you return at reduced earnings, you may qualify for temporary partial disability (TPD) to cover part of the wage difference. If you return and then re-injure yourself, a new claim or aggravation of the existing claim may apply.