What happens if I am permanently partially disabled?

Upon reaching maximum medical improvement (MMI), or upon your return to work, you will be assessed to determine whether your injury has impacted your life permanently. You may receive an award of permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits to compensate you for your permanent loss of function.

If you are permanently partially disabled due to a work injury, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will use a rate chart that is referred to as a Schedule of Disabilities to decide the percentages of monetary amounts that correspond to various types of disabling injuries. The Schedule, which is updated yearly, is used by insurance companies and workers’ compensation review boards to make their decisions.

In 2017, the maximum weekly benefit in New Jersey for permanent partial disability was $896, and in 2018, it is $903. These benefits can be paid for a maximum of 450 weeks.