What is the Waiting Period for Workers’ Compensation?

The waiting period for workers’ compensation in California is three calendar days from the date the person becomes unable to work due to a job-related injury or illness. This means an injured employee must be out of work for more than three days before becoming eligible to receive temporary disability benefits. 

The rule is intended to filter out very short-term absences, but it often creates financial uncertainty for employees dealing with sudden medical issues and lost wages. A Los Angeles workers’ compensation lawyer can provide experienced legal support if you are not given the proper compensation for your injuries. 

While some employees return to work quickly, others face long-term consequences from their injuries. For those workers, understanding how the waiting period works—and what exceptions may apply—is key to securing the compensation they’re entitled to under California law.

When Workers’ Compensation Benefits Begin

Once the three-day waiting period is met, temporary disability payments typically begin on the fourth calendar day of missed work. However, those three days don’t need to be consecutive. For example, if an injured worker is able to return briefly but then needs to take more time off, the benefit clock may still apply.

There are also scenarios in which the waiting period is waived. California workers are entitled to receive compensation from the first day of missed work if:

• They are hospitalized overnight due to a work-related injury or illness.
• Their condition prevents them from working for more than 14 days.

In these cases, retroactive benefits may be issued to cover the first three days of absence. Knowing whether you qualify for one of these exceptions can significantly affect the value and timing of your workers’ comp benefits.

Who Pays During the Waiting Period?

During the waiting period, most workers do not receive wage replacement through the workers’ compensation system. Unless the injury qualifies for one of the exceptions, compensation for lost wages doesn’t begin until day four. However, workers often use other forms of paid leave, such as sick time, vacation days, or Paid Time Off (PTO), to cover those initial days.

If those options aren’t available, the gap in income can be challenging. That’s why it’s so important to understand what you’re entitled to under California law and to get support from a team that will help you pursue every available form of relief.

How We Help Injured Workers Understand their Rights

At Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys, we regularly help injured employees understand the waiting period. We can explain how it affects your benefits and help you move forward after a workplace injury. 

Our team of workers’ compensation attorneys knows the California system inside and out. We guide clients through every stage, from filing claims to challenging denials. If you’ve been injured at work and are unsure what benefits you qualify for, we can evaluate your case and explain the legal timelines that apply.

We’ll also help you avoid mistakes that could delay or reduce your compensation. Even minor errors in paperwork or missed deadlines can impact how and when your benefits begin. With our support, you won’t have to get through any of it alone.

Why Timing Matters in Workers’ Compensation Claims

One of the most common sources of confusion in workers’ compensation cases is how quickly benefits begin and what counts toward eligibility. Many workers wait to file a claim because they’re unsure whether their injury is serious enough.

Alternatively, they may assume their employer will handle everything correctly. Unfortunately, delays and denials are not uncommon, and waiting too long to take action can cost you.

That’s why we urge injured employees to seek legal advice early in the process. By speaking with a lawyer for workers’ comp, you can make informed decisions, gather the right documentation, and avoid losing access to benefits due to procedural technicalities.

Temporary Disability and Long-Term Impact

The waiting period for workers’ compensation is only the beginning of a larger picture. After that initial delay, employees who qualify for temporary disability benefits typically receive about two-thirds of their regular weekly wages, up to the state’s maximum. These benefits are tax-free and intended to support workers while they recover.

However, the path to receiving them isn’t always straightforward. Claims can be denied, delayed, or underpaid. Employers may dispute the severity of an injury or argue that it didn’t happen on the job.

In those situations, having a trusted legal advocate makes a difference, not just in resolving the claim quickly but also in protecting your health and financial stability.

What to Do if Your Claim is Denied or Delayed

If you’ve missed more than three days of work and still haven’t received any communication about your benefits, that’s a red flag. Likewise, if you were hospitalized or remained out of work for over two weeks but didn’t receive back pay for the waiting period, you may have grounds to challenge the decision.

Our attorneys at Omega Law Group take immediate action to:

• Review your case and determine if the waiting period for workers’ compensation should have been waived.
• Communicate with the claims administrator or insurer on your behalf.
• File appeals or request hearings if your benefits are denied or delayed.
• Ensure wage calculations are accurate and fair under state guidelines.

We treat every case with the urgency it deserves because we know that delays in benefits are more than just paperwork. They affect your health, your bills, and your ability to recover.

Talk to a Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today

Understanding how the workers’ compensation waiting period works is just one piece of the puzzle. If you’re struggling to get benefits, unsure whether your injury qualifies, or facing delays from your employer or insurer, we’re here to help.

At Omega Law Group, we offer experienced legal representation with the personal attention of a boutique firm. You’ll never feel like just another case file. Our attorneys are accessible, responsive, and committed to fighting for what’s right. And that starts with helping you understand your rights and what the law says you’re entitled to.

Let our family take care of your family. Speak with a trusted workers’ compensation attorney today and take control of your recovery.