Workers' Comp in Texas

Maximum Duration for Temporary Benefits

In Texas, temporary income benefits (TIBs) have specific time limits depending on the type of benefits you receive. Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits, paid when you cannot work at all, are limited to 104 weeks (approximately 2 years) from the date of injury. Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) benefits, which are for when you can work but earn less due to your injury, are also capped at 104 weeks.

These time limits are strictly enforced under the Texas Labor Code, and benefits automatically terminate when you reach maximum medical improvement or the 104-week limit, whichever comes first. The clock starts ticking from your injury date, not from when benefits begin.

Permanent Disability Benefits

If your injury results in permanent impairment, you may qualify for Impairment Income Benefits (IIBs). These benefits are calculated based on your permanent impairment rating assigned by a doctor and are paid for three weeks for each percentage point of impairment. For example, a 10% impairment rating equals 30 weeks of benefits.

Supplemental Income Benefits (SIBs) may extend beyond IIBs if you have a significant impairment (15% or higher for most injuries, 20% or higher for spinal injuries) and meet specific work search requirements. SIBs can potentially continue for many years but require quarterly certification that you're actively seeking employment commensurate with your abilities.

Medical Benefits Duration

Medical benefits in Texas workers' compensation have no time limit as long as the treatment is reasonable, needed, and related to your workplace injury. This means you can receive ongoing medical care for your work-related condition for the rest of your life if medically justified.

However, all medical treatment must be pre-authorized by the insurance carrier after the first visit, and treatment must be provided by doctors on the carrier's approved network. Disputes over medical necessity can limit access to continued care.

Factors That End Benefits

Benefits terminate when you return to work at pre-injury wages, reach maximum medical improvement, or when time limits expire. If you refuse suitable work offered by your employer or fail to comply with medical treatment recommendations, benefits may be suspended or terminated.

Death benefits for surviving dependents follow different rules, with spouse benefits potentially lasting for life and dependent children's benefits continuing until age 18 (or 25 if enrolled in school).

Planning for Benefit Termination

Since temporary benefits have strict time limits, it's crucial to focus on medical recovery and vocational rehabilitation during your benefit period. Work consistently with your doctor to optimize treatment and consider retraining programs if you cannot return to your previous job. Understanding these time limits helps you plan financially and make informed decisions about settlement offers versus continuing benefits.