How Does Temporary Disability In Illinois Work? (2026)

Workers' Comp vs. Short-Term Disability Coverage

So how does workers’ comp work in Illinois exactly? Workers’ comp covers part of your wages and addresses medical expenses if you suffer a work-related injury or illness. While temporary disability may be covered by workers’ comp, short-term disability is not.

Short-term disability is for non-work-related conditions that prevent you from working. Being in a car accident, for example, and suffering a traumatic brain injury, could make you eligible for short-term disability. If the car accident occurred while performing work duties, however, you may be eligible for workers’ comp.

How Benefit Payments Are Calculated

Temporary disability in Illinois typically pays you two-thirds of your average weekly wages. This average is calculated using the wages you earned in the previous 52 weeks.

If your doctor places you on temporary partial disability, which occurs if you can return to light duty, then you will usually get two-thirds of the difference between what you used to earn and what you are currently earning.

Waiting Period Before Payments Begin

Generally, temporary disability benefits begin on the fourth day that you miss work. If your recovery lasts for more than 14 days, you can be compensated for those initial first three days.

Conditions That Qualify for Benefits

You can receive temporary disability in Illinois if you have a work-related physical or mental condition that prevents you from doing your job.

How to File a Claim

You should report the injury or illness to your employer as promptly as possible. It can be a good idea to turn to a lawyer to guide you through the process of filing the claim, since it can be a more complex process than many people expect.

You can file the claim online or through the mail. The insurer will typically take between one and two weeks to decide whether to accept the claim. If additional information is needed, the process may take longer.

Workplace Rights and Accommodations

Illinois workers have protections provided by both state and federal laws. These laws aim to ensure that you have a safe workplace with reasonable accommodations if you have an injury or illness that requires you to perform only light duties while you recover.

Appealing a Denied Claim

If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal. You must file an Application for Adjustment of Claim and request an arbitrator hearing. You’ll typically have to present more evidence to prove that you deserve the benefits. It’s vital to have an attorney for this process.

Filing for Temporary Disability With Help From a Lawyer

At ConsumerShield, our knowledgeable team can match you with an experienced attorney in your area who can guide you through the disability claim process. Contact us today for a free case review or to learn more.