What Happens If Workers Comp Runs Out in California?

When do temporary disability checks stop?

Temporary disability usually stops when the worker returns to work, reaches medical stability, or hits the statutory cap for most California injuries.

Temporary disability replaces part of lost wages while the worker cannot do regular work because of the industrial injury. Labor Code 4656 sets the major duration limit for most claims. The verified 2026 figures are shown in the table.

For most injuries, the cap is the central risk. The worker may need to move toward a final report, QME evaluation, settlement, or other income source before checks end.

If the insurer stopped checks early, ask for the reason in writing. The basis may be return to work, a doctor's release, a dispute over disability, a cap, or a claim denial.

What benefits can remain after TD ends?

After TD ends, a worker may still have permanent disability, medical care, mileage, SJDB, penalties, or settlement rights depending on the facts.

Temporary disability is only one benefit. Medical care under Labor Code 4600 can continue if treatment is still needed and the claim remains open. Permanent disability may be owed when the injury leaves lasting impairment.

Labor Code 4658 connects permanent disability ratings to payment weeks. The Supplemental Job Displacement Benefit may also matter if the worker cannot return to the usual job and the employer does not make a valid offer.

What if TD ends before I reach maximum medical improvement?

If TD ends before medical stability, the worker may need a QME, final report demand, SDI, SSDI, settlement strategy, or hearing request.

This gap is dangerous. The insurer may say it cannot start permanent disability advances because no final rating exists. The worker may still be unable to work. Income can stop while the medical-legal process continues.

One option is to push for a final report if the doctor believes the condition is stable. Another is to pursue a QME when the medical status is disputed. Labor Code 4062.2 can control the represented panel process.

State Disability Insurance may help some workers with non-industrial or disputed disability periods. SSDI may help workers with severe conditions expected to last long enough under federal rules. These programs are separate from workers comp and should be timed carefully.

Does medical care run out when checks stop?

Medical care does not automatically end when wage checks stop, and a Stipulated Award can preserve future treatment for accepted body parts.

Do not assume a stopped check means the claim is over. Medical treatment can continue under the open claim. UR and IMR can still apply to treatment requests.

A Compromise and Release usually closes future medical care. A Stipulation can keep it open. That choice matters most for workers with ongoing treatment, future surgery risk, medication needs, or chronic pain management.

If the insurer denies treatment after checks stop, the dispute may be medical rather than wage-related. Check whether the request was denied by UR and whether IMR rights apply under Labor Code 4610.5.

What should I do before benefits run out?

Before benefits run out, audit the payment ledger, calendar deadlines, request final medical reporting, review return-to-work options, and plan income backups.

Start early. Waiting until the final check arrives leaves fewer options. Ask for a benefit printout. Confirm the injury date, periods paid, weekly rate, and reason for any skipped weeks.

Compare the payment record to the deadlines and benefit types below. The table helps identify which clock is creating the risk.

If the worker cannot return to the old job, discuss work restrictions and vocational options. The SJDB voucher can help with retraining when the legal requirements are met. If settlement is being discussed, make sure the timing does not leave a cash gap.

How do I know which benefit actually ended?

Identify the stopped benefit by reading the notice, payment ledger, doctor status, and claim letters before assuming the whole case is over.

Ask for the document that explains the stop. It may be a temporary disability notice, denial letter, utilization review decision, settlement document, or payment printout.

Then match the reason to the remedy. A medical denial may need IMR. A wage stop may need a doctor report or hearing. A permanent disability end date may simply mean the Award was fully paid.

Do not rely on a phone call alone. Written notices create the record. They also show which deadline may be running.

What if I cannot go back to my old job?

If you cannot return to the old job, review permanent restrictions, modified work offers, vocational benefits, settlement options, and possible outside disability programs.

Permanent restrictions should be specific. The doctor should say what you can lift, how long you can stand, whether you can bend, and what tasks are unsafe.

The employer may offer modified or alternative work. The offer should match the restrictions. If no valid work is offered and the legal requirements are met, vocational benefits may matter.

Some workers also need to consider SSDI, SDI, private disability, retirement, or job retraining. These choices can affect each other. Plan them before income stops.

Can settlement bridge the income gap?

Settlement can bridge an income gap, but only if the amount, timing, medical rights, and approval process are planned before checks stop.

A rushed settlement can trade long-term medical protection for short-term cash. Review the structure first. A Stipulation and a Compromise and Release solve different problems.