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How Long Does Workers' Comp Last in Texas?

2026-06-15 · Injury Benefit Calc Research Team

Introduction

If you have been injured at work in Texas, one of the first questions you probably have is: how long will my workers’ comp benefits last? The answer depends on the type of benefit (TTD, PPD, PTD, or medical), the severity of your injury, and the specific rules of the Texas workers’ compensation system. This article breaks down the time limits and maximum benefit durations for Texas workers’ comp in 2026.

How Texas Workers’ Comp Works

Texas workers’ comp provides several types of benefits to injured workers:

  • TTD (Temporary Total Disability): paid when you are completely unable to work for a temporary period.
  • TPD (Temporary Partial Disability): paid when you can do some work but earn less than pre-injury.
  • PPD (Permanent Partial Disability): paid after MMI when you have a permanent partial impairment.
  • PTD (Permanent Total Disability): paid for the most severe injuries that prevent any work.
  • Medical benefits: paid for all reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to the work injury.

Each benefit type has different time limits and maximum durations. The 2026 maximum weekly rate in Texas is $1,105, and the minimum is $250.

TTD Duration in Texas

TTD (Temporary Total Disability) in Texas continues until you reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) — the point at which your condition is not expected to improve further with treatment — or until you return to work.

In Texas, TTD is generally capped at 104 weeks (2 years) for most non-catastrophic injuries. This is a hard cap that applies to most workers in the state. For catastrophic injuries (e.g., severe brain injury, spinal cord injury, severe burns, loss of multiple limbs, blindness), the 104-week cap is waived and TTD can continue for the duration of the disability.

For the small number of states that allow TTD to continue indefinitely, the practical limit is determined by the medical evidence supporting ongoing disability. Once you reach MMI, TTD ends and you transition to PPD (if you have a permanent impairment) or PTD (if you are permanently and totally disabled).

PPD Duration in Texas

PPD (Permanent Partial Disability) in Texas is paid after MMI when you have a permanent partial impairment but can still work in some capacity. The PPD weekly rate is the same 70% of pre-injury AWW as TTD, capped at the same maximum of $1,105/week for 2026.

Total weeks payable depend on the impairment rating and the Texas workers’ comp schedule. For scheduled injuries (amputation, loss of use, total loss of function of a specific body part), Texas pays a fixed number of weeks of benefits based on the affected body part. For non-scheduled injuries (back, neck, internal organs, head), the duration of PPD depends on the impairment rating, age, occupation, and other factors.

In most states, PPD benefits continue for the full schedule duration, paid weekly, with no hard time limit on the total amount. However, some states (e.g., Tennessee at 400 weeks, South Carolina at 500 weeks) impose hard caps on cumulative PPD duration.

PTD Duration in Texas

PTD (Permanent Total Disability) in Texas is reserved for the most severe injuries — e.g., paralysis, severe brain injury, blindness, or loss of multiple limbs. PTD is paid at the same 70% of AWW (capped at $1,105/week) for the duration of the disability, with no hard time limit in most states.

To qualify for PTD, the worker must demonstrate that they are unable to perform any gainful employment consistent with their education, training, experience, and physical capacity. The Texas workers’ comp agency or an administrative law judge makes the final PTD determination.

Some states impose a maximum number of weeks for PTD (e.g., Mississippi at 450 weeks, Wisconsin at 1,000 weeks, South Carolina and Indiana at 500 weeks), but the majority of states allow PTD to continue for the duration of the disability.

Medical Benefits Duration in Texas

Medical benefits in Texas generally continue for the duration of the injury — i.e., as long as the medical evidence supports the need for treatment related to the work injury. There is no hard time limit on medical benefits in most states, including Texas.

Medical benefits typically include:

  • Doctor visits
  • Hospital and surgical care
  • Physical therapy and rehabilitation
  • Prescription medications
  • Diagnostic tests (X-ray, MRI, CT)
  • Durable medical equipment (crutches, braces, wheelchairs)
  • Travel expenses for medical appointments (in some states)

In Texas, the employer/insurer is generally required to provide all reasonable and necessary medical treatment for the work injury, and the worker is not required to pay out-of- pocket for authorized care. Disputes about medical treatment (denied treatment, IME disputes, etc.) are typically resolved through the Texas workers’ comp agency or an administrative law judge.

Settlement and End of Benefits

Most workers’ comp claims in Texas end in one of three ways:

  1. Return to work (with or without permanent restrictions)
  2. Settlement (Compromise and Release or Stipulation)
  3. Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) with no further treatment needed

A settlement typically closes both medical and income benefits for the injury in exchange for a lump-sum or structured payment. Settlements are common in Texas and typically require approval by the Texas workers’ comp agency. Never sign a settlement without consulting an attorney — the first offer is rarely the best deal.

Factors That Affect Benefit Duration

Several factors affect how long your Texas workers’ comp benefits will last:

  • Type of injury: Catastrophic injuries typically qualify for longer (or indefinite) benefits than non-catastrophic injuries.
  • Impairment rating: Higher impairment ratings translate to more weeks of PPD benefits in most states.
  • Age: Older workers may receive higher ratings (and longer benefits) due to the longer expected duration of disability.
  • Occupation: Some occupations (e.g., heavy labor) face greater restrictions after injury, which can lead to longer TTD/PPD durations.
  • Compliance with treatment: Workers who do not follow prescribed treatment may have benefits reduced or terminated.
  • State law: Texas imposes specific time limits and caps that affect benefit duration.

What to Do If Your Benefits Are Cut Off

If your Texas workers’ comp benefits are cut off (e.g., the insurer declares you at MMI, or TTD is terminated at 104 weeks), you have the right to appeal. The appeals process typically involves:

  1. Mediation or informal hearing with the Texas workers’ comp agency
  2. Formal hearing before an administrative law judge
  3. Administrative review of the ALJ decision
  4. Judicial appeal to the Texas court of appeals

Consult a Texas workers’ comp attorney promptly if your benefits are cut off. The statute of limitations on appeals is typically 30-90 days from the date of the termination notice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can TTD be extended beyond 104 weeks in Texas?

In Texas, TTD for most non-catastrophic injuries is hard- capped at 104 weeks. However, TTD for catastrophic injuries (severe brain injury, spinal cord injury, severe burns, loss of multiple limbs, blindness) can continue indefinitely as long as medical evidence supports ongoing disability. Some states also allow TTD extensions in specific circumstances, such as scheduled surgery or treatment complications.

What happens when I reach MMI in Texas?

When you reach MMI (Maximum Medical Improvement), your treating physician will issue a final impairment rating and a statement that your condition is not expected to improve further. TTD benefits end, and you transition to PPD (if you have a permanent partial impairment) or PTD (if you are permanently and totally disabled). Medical benefits continue for any ongoing treatment related to the work injury.

Can I receive workers’ comp and Social Security

Disability at the same time in Texas?

Yes. Workers’ comp and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are separate programs, and you can receive both. However, SSDI has strict income limits, and your workers’ comp benefits may reduce your SSDI payment through the workers’ compensation offset (also called the “reverse offset”). The offset is designed to prevent combined benefits from exceeding 80% of pre-injury earnings.

How long does it take to settle a workers’ comp claim

in Texas?

Most workers’ comp cases in Texas settle within 6-18 months after the worker reaches MMI. Severe cases that go through multiple hearings can take 2-4 years. Settlement negotiations can begin as soon as the worker reaches MMI and the impairment rating is finalized.

What is the statute of limitations for filing a

workers’ comp claim in Texas?

The statute of limitations in Texas for filing a workers’ comp claim is typically 1 to 3 years from the date of injury or date of last benefit payment. However, you should report the injury to your employer immediately (typically within 30 days) to preserve your right to benefits. Missing the reporting deadline can be fatal to your claim.

Sources

  • Texas workers’ compensation statute — https://www.tdi.texas.gov/wc/ — verified June 2026
  • Texas workers’ compensation agency — https://www.tdi.texas.gov/wc/ — verified June 2026
  • U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses (SOII) — Texas data series
  • NCCI Workers’ Compensation Industry Report — Texas state profile

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your workers’ compensation claim, consult a licensed attorney in Texas.