What are the requirements for eligibility for each classification of income benefits?

Great question! Let's dive deeper into the eligibility requirements for the different classifications of income benefits under the Texas workers' compensation system:

Temporary Income Benefits (TIBs):

• You must be unable to earn your pre-injury wage due to a work-related injury or illness.

• The disability must last for more than 7 days.

• TIBs are paid until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) or your disability becomes permanent.

Impairment Income Benefits (IIBs):

• You must have reached MMI and have been assigned an impairment rating of at least 1% by your treating doctor.

• IIBs are paid for a number of weeks based on your impairment rating, up to a maximum of 401 weeks.

• The weekly IIB amount is 70% of your pre-injury average weekly wage, subject to state maximums.

Supplemental Income Benefits (SIBs):

• To qualify, you must have a permanent impairment rating of 15% or greater, and have earned less than 80% of your pre-injury wage for at least 13 consecutive weeks.

• SIBs are paid monthly, with the amount based on the difference between your current earnings and 80% of your pre-injury wage.

• SIBs can be paid for up to 401 weeks.

Lifetime Income Benefits (LIBs):

• You must have sustained one of the most severe, permanently disabling injuries, such as losing both hands, feet, eyes, or a combination thereof.

• LIBs provide 100% of your pre-injury average weekly wage for the rest of your life.

• There is no maximum number of weeks for LIBs.

It's important to note that in all cases, you must have followed the proper procedures to report your injury and file a workers' compensation claim in a timely manner. Consulting with an experienced workers' comp attorney can help ensure you meet all the eligibility criteria and receive the maximum benefits you're entitled to.