What is temporary partial disability in Canada?
Temporary partial disability applies during recovery when you can work some hours or lighter duties but earn less than before the injury. The board pays a partial loss-of-earnings benefit, in Ontario 85% of the gap between your pre-injury and current earnings, to support a graduated return to work.
How does a graduated return to work affect benefits?
In a graduated return to work, you increase your hours or duties over time as you recover. As your earnings rise, the earnings gap narrows and the partial benefit decreases proportionally. This encourages recovery-appropriate work while still compensating the remaining wage loss.
When does temporary partial disability end?
It continues until you fully return to your pre-injury earnings, recover, or reach maximum medical recovery. At maximum medical recovery, the board assesses any permanent impairment and converts remaining entitlement to a permanent loss-of-earnings benefit and, if applicable, a permanent impairment award.
Is the benefit based on gross or net earnings?
Canadian wage-loss benefits, including temporary partial benefits, are based on net average earnings because the benefits are tax-free. The board uses your after-tax earnings figure and applies the benefit rate (85% in Ontario) to the earnings gap.