How Do Workers’ Compensation Payments Work in South Carolina?

Workers’ compensation payments in South Carolina are designed to provide financial support to employees who are injured on the job, but they do not cover the full salary. Instead, workers typically receive two-thirds of their average weekly wage, subject to a state maximum limit. 

These payments help replace lost wages while the worker recovers from their injury or illness. Here’s a detailed explanation of how workers’ compensation payments work in South Carolina. For more help, contact an Aiken workers’ compensation lawyer for a free consultation today.

Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits in South Carolina

In South Carolina, workers’ compensation benefits are divided into different categories, each corresponding to the severity and type of injury. These categories provide varying levels of financial support depending on the worker’s condition and ability to return to work.

Temporary Total Disability (TTD)

Temporary total disability (TTD) benefits are for workers who are unable to work for an extended period due to their injury. These benefits replace a portion of the worker’s wages during the recovery period.

• Payment amount: Workers receive two-thirds of their average weekly wage (AWW), up to the state’s maximum weekly benefit.
  
• Tax–free: These payments are tax-free, meaning workers do not have to pay federal or state income taxes on the compensation.

Temporary Partial Disability (TPD)

If a worker is injured but can still work in some capacity, though at a reduced income, they may qualify for temporary partial disability (TPD) benefits. These benefits are designed to make up for the difference between the worker’s pre-injury wages and their reduced earnings.

• Payment amount: TPD benefits pay two-thirds of the difference between the worker’s pre-injury wages and their post-injury earnings.
  
• Tax–free: Like TTD benefits, TPD payments are also tax-free.

Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)

Permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits are for workers who suffer a permanent injury that results in partial loss of function. This benefit helps compensate for the permanent disability and the loss of earning capacity.

• Payment amount: PPD benefits are based on the worker’s level of disability and their average weekly wage.
  
• Duration: The length of time for which PPD benefits are paid depends on the severity of the disability. The worker may receive payments for a set number of weeks based on a rating of their impairment.

Permanent Total Disability (PTD)

If a worker’s injury results in a permanent and total disability that prevents them from working in any capacity, they may be eligible for permanent total disability (PTD) benefits.

• Payment amount: PTD benefits are paid at two-thirds of the worker’s average weekly wage (AWW), subject to the state’s maximum benefit cap.
  
• Duration: PTD benefits are generally paid for the worker’s lifetime, as long as the disability persists.

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How Are Workers’ Compensation Payments Calculated?

In South Carolina, workers’ compensation payments are based on the worker’s average weekly wage (AWW), which is calculated from their earnings over the 52 weeks prior to the injury.

• Two–thirds of AWW: Workers typically receive two-thirds of their AWW as compensation. However, this is subject to the state’s maximum weekly benefit limit, which fluctuates year to year.

Weekly Payment Limits

The South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission sets an annual cap on the maximum amount that can be paid out in workers’ compensation benefits. This means no worker can receive more than this amount in benefits, regardless of their pre-injury wage.

If you have any questions, an Aiken personal injury lawyer can help you determine what payment limits may apply to your workers’ compensation claim.

When Do Workers Start Receiving Payments?

Workers in South Carolina generally begin receiving workers’ compensation payments after a waiting period, which is typically seven days from the date of injury. 

However, if the worker is unable to work for more than 14 days, they will be compensated retroactively for the first seven days of their disability.

• Example: Typically, if an injury occurs on January 1 and the worker is unable to return to work for more than 14 days, they would start receiving compensation on January 8, and it would be retroactive to January 1.

Medical Expenses

In addition to wage replacement, workers’ compensation in South Carolina also covers medical expenses related to work injuries. This includes doctor visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, and any other necessary treatment.

• No out–of–pocket expenses: Workers do not need to pay for medical expenses related to their injury. These are typically paid directly by the workers’ compensation insurer.

Get Help From Our South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Today

So, how do workers’ compensation payments work in South Carolina? These payments are designed to provide financial support during recovery and can last for various periods depending on the type of disability.

If you’ve been injured on the job and need help navigating the workers’ compensation process, contact John Foy & Associates for a free consultation.

Our experienced South Carolina workers’ compensation lawyers can assist you in maximizing your benefits. Visit our FAQ page to learn more.