chicago workers compensation process
chicago workers compensation process is the Illinois system administered by IWCC. Notify the employer no later than 45 days after the accident. The employer or its carrier pays medical care and temporary total disability at two-thirds (66 2/3%) of average weekly wage. The doctor's return-to-work note decides off-work versus light-duty, and TTD continues if the employer cannot accommodate.
Last updated: August 25, 2026
Notice, pay, and the work note
| Step | Listed | Who acts |
|---|---|---|
| Employee notice | no later than 45 days after the accident | Worker tells the employer |
| TTD rate | two-thirds (66 2/3%) of average weekly wage | Employer or carrier pays |
| Waiting period | first three lost workdays | Unpaid unless 14 or more calendar days are missed |
| Light-duty note | released to do light-duty work but whose employer is unable to accommodate | Doctor writes status; employer accepts or TTD continues |
Cites: IWCC handbook (06.06.24 PDF), IWCC benefits, 820 ILCS 305/6.
Related: workers compensation light duty restrictions, can I return to work with restrictions after injury.
| Claim | URL | Listed |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois employee notice deadline | iwcc.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/iwcc/documents/handbook/IWCC%20handbook%2006.06.24.pdf | no later than 45 days after the accident |
| Illinois TTD rate formula | iwcc.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/iwcc/documents/handbook/IWCC%20handbook%2006.06.24.pdf | two-thirds (66 2/3%) |
| Illinois TTD waiting period | iwcc.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/iwcc/documents/handbook/IWCC%20handbook%2006.06.24.pdf | first three lost workdays |
| Illinois TTD continues if light duty is unavailable | iwcc.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/iwcc/documents/handbook/IWCC%20handbook%2006.06.24.pdf | released to do light-duty work but whose employer is unable to accommodate |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first deadline in the chicago workers compensation process?
The IWCC handbook states that the employee must notify the employer as soon as practicable, but no later than 45 days after the accident. Late notice can delay payment. Illinois statute text on ILGA also lists not later than 45 days after the accident.
Who pays wage-loss benefits in Illinois?
The employer or its workers-comp carrier pays temporary total disability. The IWCC handbook states that the TTD benefit is two-thirds (66 2/3%) of the employee's average weekly wage, subject to posted minimums and maximums. TTD is not paid for the first three lost workdays unless the employee misses 14 or more calendar days.
What role does the return-to-work note play in Chicago?
The treating doctor's work-status note is what tells the employer whether the worker is off work or released to do light-duty work. The IWCC handbook states that TTD continues when the doctor releases the employee to light-duty work but the employer is unable to accommodate. A matching offer can end TTD and start a wage-difference analysis.