Temporary Vs. Permanent Disability Benefits In Minnesota
Last updated on December 1, 2025
If you suffer a serious workplace injury in Minnesota, it may mean that you are unable to return to work. In addition to medical bills, this disability will have a drastic impact on your financial situation moving forward. Since it may be necessary to obtain disability benefits, determining whether your disability is temporary or permanent is incredibly critical.
Here at Fuller Wallner, Attorneys at Law, our attorneys have over 50 years of experience with disability and workers’ compensation law in Minnesota, and stand ready to help injured Bemidji employees. We know how complex the system is and how important it is for you to get the benefits you deserve. Our lawyers offer free initial consultations to help you learn about your options with no risk to you. Call today.
Temporary Disability Benefits
There are two types of temporary disability benefits in Minnesota. First, if the injury keeps you out of work for more than three days, then you may be able to seek Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits. These are for workers who cannot perform any of their duties and are entirely unable to work.
If you can work, but your ability to do so is more limited, such as if you can only work for a few hours at a time, then you may be earning less than you were prior to the injury. You can bridge the gap with Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) benefits.
Permanent Total Disability
A permanent workplace disability means that your injury is so severe that you may never return to your job. In such cases, permanent disability benefits may be an option. It pays a percentage, typically two-thirds, of your wages.
One of the most important parts of this process is working with a medical professional. It will be their job to examine your condition and determine if you have reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI). If you have, and no more recovery is possible, then your condition is considered permanent and you may be eligible for permanent benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions About Disability Benefits In Minnesota
If you are navigating temporary or permanent disability benefits in Bemidji or elsewhere in Minnesota, the answers to common questions about the workers’ compensation process can offer clarity.
How long does it take to receive disability benefits in Minnesota?
The timeline in Minnesota varies based on several factors including the complexity of your claim, how quickly your employer reports the injury and whether the insurance carrier disputes your eligibility. After you report a workplace injury, your employer has 14 days to provide you with a claim form. Once you submit the completed form, the insurer typically has 14 days to accept or deny your claim.
If your claim is accepted without dispute, you should begin receiving temporary total disability or temporary partial disability payments relatively quickly, often within a few weeks of approval. However, disputes over the nature of your injury, whether it is work-related or the extent of your disability can significantly delay payments. In contested cases, administrative hearings or settlement negotiations may extend the process by months.
Can my employer terminate my temporary disability benefits in Minnesota?
Your employer or their insurance carrier can terminate temporary disability benefits under certain circumstances. The most common reason for termination occurs when a medical professional determines you have reached Maximum Medical Improvement, meaning your condition has stabilized and further recovery is unlikely. At this point, your temporary benefits may end, allowing you to transition to permanent disability benefits if your injury causes lasting impairment.
Benefits may also end if you return to work, even in a limited capacity or if the insurance carrier disputes your inability to work. Carriers sometimes rely on independent medical examinations or surveillance to argue you are capable of performing job duties. If your benefits are terminated and you believe the decision is improper, you have the right to appeal and challenge the termination through the Minnesota workers’ compensation system.
What happens to my disability benefits if I return to work part-time?
Returning to work part-time does not automatically eliminate your disability benefits, but it does change the type of benefits you receive. If you can perform limited duties or work reduced hours while still recovering, you may qualify for temporary partial disability benefits rather than temporary total disability payments. TPD benefits compensate you for the difference between your pre-injury wages and your current reduced earnings.
Call For A Consultation
Demonstrating the nature of your disability and seeking appropriate compensation can be complex. Call our Minnesota office at 218-203-9710 or use the online contact form to set up your free consultation with an experienced lawyer. Our team will be your fierce advocate every step of the way.