Once your employer is notified of your injury, ideally in writing, they are responsible for reporting it to their workers’ compensation insurance provider. The insurance company then has 14 calendar days to begin issuing Temporary Total Disability (TTD) payments, as long as:
- You are unable to work based on your doctor’s orders, and
- The injury has been accepted as work-related
These payments typically amount to two-thirds of your average weekly wage, within the limits set by Illinois law. TTD benefits should continue until your doctor either clears you to return to work or provides updated restrictions that allow for modified duties.
Why the 14-Day Rule Matters
The 14-day window exists to protect injured workers from unnecessary financial stress. After all, most people rely on their paycheck to cover basic expenses and going weeks without income can be destabilizing, especially when combined with mounting medical bills.
Illinois law sets this timeframe to encourage prompt action by employers and insurance carriers. When they fail to act, workers have a legal right to push back and may be eligible for additional compensation.
What If Payments Are Delayed or Don’t Arrive?
If your TTD payments haven’t arrived within 14 days and there’s no valid dispute or delay in documentation, the insurance company may be in violation of the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act. In these situations, you may be entitled to:
- Penalties and interest for each day payment is late
- A hearing before the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC)
- Legal enforcement measures to compel timely payment
Delays can stem from several issues: your employer might not report the injury on time, the insurer may claim they haven’t received medical documentation, or they might dispute the severity of your condition. Sometimes, they’re simply slow to act hoping you won’t push back.
But you don’t have to wait in silence. The law is clear, and benefits delayed without good reason can trigger consequences for the employer or their insurer.
Documentation Matters
To ensure there’s no excuse for delay, it’s important to create a clear paper trail from the start:
- Report your injury in writing
- Keep a copy of your doctor’s note stating you’re unable to work
- Save all correspondence between you, your employer, and the insurance company
This documentation can make or break your ability to collect penalties if the insurer fails to meet its obligations.
Let Us Step In If Benefits Are Missing
AThe Illinois Hammer Injury Lawyers move quickly when TTD benefits are delayed or denied. We know how important steady income is during recovery and we don’t let insurance carriers drag their feet.
Our team works directly with doctors, pushes insurers to comply, and files with the IWCC when needed to secure timely payment and pursue penalties where appropriate.
If your checks are late, your claim is being ignored, or you’re hearing excuses instead of seeing action, let us help.
Contact us today for a free consultation and let’s make sure your benefits arrive on time, in full, and without further delay.
