Risk Management

Workers' Compensation (CARO)

Benefit Information: Payment for Lost Wages

What are temporary total disability (TTD) benefits?

What is the waiting period?

How are TTD benefits calculated?

What documentation does CARO need to consider payment of TTD benefits?

May sick leave be used?

What if the doctor releases an employee to temporary modified duty?

What are temporary total disability (TTD) benefits?

Temporary total disability (TTD) is compensation for the time an authorized physician determines an employee is unable to work because of the injury. TTD benefits are not paid for the first three days the employee is off unless they are off for a total of fourteen or more calendar days. TTD benefits are calculated at two-thirds of the average weekly wage not to exceed a maximum rate set by the legislature. Temporary total disability benefits cease when the doctor says the employee is able to return to work. Although TTD benefit wages are only two-thirds of the average wage, it is important to remember they are tax free.

What is the waiting period?

Temporary total disability cannot be paid for the first three days (waiting period) during which the employer is open and operating for business unless the disability exceeds fourteen days. 

How are TTD benefits calculated?

TTD is based on two-thirds of the injured worker's average weekly wage, up to the statutory maximum set by law.

What documentation does CARO need to consider payment of TTD benefits?

CARO must be notified by the agency that the employee is off work due to the injury. This may be done through a phone call, email or by using the Time Lost Report (MO 300-0651). CARO also requires documentation of the employee’s off work status from the authorized medical provider(s). This documentation may be in the form of off work slips, etc. Agencies may fax documentation to CARO at 573-751-5262.

May sick leave be used?

Effective October 2, 1998, an Administrative Rule went into effect stating that state employees off work for a work-related injury may only use their sick leave to supplement their workers’ compensation time lost benefits to make up the difference and receive full pay. Therefore, employees may only elect workers’ compensation leave without pay or annual leave.

CARO provides agencies with monthly reports detailing payments made to each employee. Agencies can use this report to calculate the number of hours needed to supplement the employee's pay with sick leave.

What if the doctor releases an employee to temporary modified duty?

Effective March 1, 2002, the State of Missouri launched a new Early Return to Work Program. Employees who are eligible for temporary modified duty will enter their agency's early return to work program and return to the agency payroll. CARO will contact agencies regarding the status of temporary total or temporary partial disability benefits upon notification from the physician that the employee can return to work in a temporary modified duty status.