If a work injury keeps you off the job, California temporary disability benefits should replace part of the wages you lose while you recover. Abramson Labor Group represents injured workers, never employers, in workers’ compensation claims, including late, low, and stopped TD payments. Our case reviews are free and confidential, and we work on contingency.
According to the Division of Workers’ Compensation, TD “pays two-thirds of the gross (pre-tax) wages you lose while you are recovering from a job injury.” The weekly amount is limited by a state minimum and maximum that change each year. Starting January 1, 2026, the minimum is $264.61 and the maximum is $1,764.11 per week (DIR, November 2025).
| TD rule | What the law says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Waiting period | No TD for the first three days, unless the disability lasts more than 14 days or you are hospitalized as an inpatient | Labor Code 4652 |
| First payment | Due “not later than 14 days after knowledge of the injury and disability” | Labor Code 4650(a) |
| Ongoing payments | Due “every two weeks on the day designated with the first payment” | Labor Code 4650(c) |
| Late payment | “The amount of the late payment shall be increased 10 percent” | Labor Code 4650(d) |
| Time limit | Generally no more than 104 compensable weeks within five years from the date of injury | Labor Code 4656(c)(2) |
The full text is in Labor Code section 4650, section 4652, and section 4656. Certain serious injuries, such as amputations, severe burns, HIV, and some chronic lung conditions, have a longer limit of up to 240 weeks under section 4656(c)(3).
For a closer look at payments, read how much workers’ comp pays in California and whether workers’ comp is taxable.
Most TD disputes come down to the amount or the timing of the checks. These are the problems we see most often.
If a late payment is not paid with the 10 percent increase, or the rate looks too low, a workers’ compensation attorney can review your wage records and payment history. Our article on how workers’ comp works in California explains the claim process.
TD is temporary by design. If the injury leaves a lasting impairment, you may be owed permanent disability benefits. If you cannot go back to your old job, see return to work and job displacement benefits. Our workers’ comp benefits overview covers every benefit in one place, and our article on workers’ comp and disability explains how other disability protections can overlap. When a work injury is fatal, California law makes the employer liable for a death benefit to the worker’s dependents (Labor Code section 4701). Our page on death benefits for families explains how those claims work.
Being punished for reporting a work injury can be a separate legal claim. See our article on whether you can be fired for filing workers’ comp in California, and our workplace injuries page.
We represent injured workers in Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, and across Los Angeles County, and statewide through our California employment lawyers.
We work on contingency, so you do not pay anything unless we win. The case evaluation is free. The DWC notes that “your attorney can’t directly charge you for his or her services” (DWC). Learn more about how contingency fees work.
Yes. TD is generally not paid for the first three days, unless the disability lasts more than 14 days or you are hospitalized as an inpatient for the injury (Labor Code section 4652).
Under Labor Code section 4650(d), the amount of a late payment is increased 10 percent. A workers’ compensation attorney can review your payment history.
Our California workers’ compensation FAQ answers common questions about claim forms, deadlines, and delays.
If your TD checks are late, low, or missing, we can review your claim and explain your options. Request your free case evaluation, contact us, or call us at (213) 493-6300.
You do not pay ANYTHING unless we win!
Last updated: October 2026
This page is general information about California law, not legal advice. Every situation is different. For advice about your specific case, talk to a licensed California workers’ compensation attorney.
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