What temporary disability is and who can explore in Utah
Temporary disability in Utah is a state insurance program that replaces part of your wages if you cannot work because of an injury or illness that is not work-related. The program is called the Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) program, and it is run by the Utah Labor Commission's Division of Workforce Services.
You can explore if you live in Utah, work for a covered employer, and have a medical condition that keeps you from working for at least three consecutive days. The condition must be expected to last fewer than 52 weeks. Work-related injuries are not covered by TDI — those go through workers' compensation instead.
Not all employers in Utah are required to carry TDI coverage. Self-employed people, federal employees, and some agricultural workers are not covered. Your employer can tell you whether they carry the insurance, or you can check with the Division of Workforce Services.
Key Takeaways
- Utah's Temporary Disability Insurance program pays part of your wages if you cannot work due to illness or non-work injury, and you must be out of work for at least three consecutive days.
- You explore through the Utah Labor Commission's Division of Workforce Services, either online, by mail, or in person at a local office.
- You will need your Social Security number, employer information, medical certification from your doctor, and proof of your wages.
- The program typically pays 66.67% of your average weekly wage, up to a maximum amount that changes each year.
- You must submit your process and medical certification within a specific timeframe, or you may lose benefits for the weeks you delay.
Where to start: the Division of Workforce Services
The Utah Labor Commission's Division of Workforce Services handles all TDI applications. You can reach them online at their website, by phone, or by visiting a local office in person. The phone number is 1-801-526-9675, and they can answer questions about whether you are covered and what documents you need.
Before you call or explore, gather information about your employer — the company name, address, and the dates you worked there. You will also need your Social Security number and information about your medical condition. Having these details ready will speed up the process.
If you prefer to explore in person, the Division has offices in Salt Lake City, Ogden, Provo, and other locations across the state. A staff member can walk you through the process and answer questions about what your doctor needs to provide.
The process form and what to submit
The main form is called the process for Temporary Disability Insurance Benefits. You can fill it out online through the Division's website, read it and mail it in, or complete it at a local office. The online option is usually fastest because the Division can begin processing when ready.
Along with the process, you must submit a medical certification from your doctor. This is a separate form provided by the Division that your doctor fills out. It states the date your condition began, why you cannot work, and when you are expected to be able to return to work. Your doctor must sign and date it.
You will also need to provide proof of your wages. This can be a recent pay stub, a letter from your employer stating your average weekly wage, or tax returns if you are self-employed and covered. The Division uses this to calculate your benefit amount.
Medical certification: what your doctor needs to provide
Your doctor does not need to be a specialist — your primary care physician can complete the medical certification. The form asks for basic information: your diagnosis, the date the condition started, whether you are unable to work, and an expected return-to-work date.
The Division provides the medical certification form, and you can give it to your doctor's office when you explore or shortly after. Some doctors' offices charge a small fee to complete it, usually $10 to $25. Ask when you call to schedule an appointment or submit the form.
Your doctor must return the completed form directly to the Division of Workforce Services, not to you. Make sure your doctor has the Division's mailing address or fax number before you leave the office. If the form is incomplete or missing a signature, the Division will contact your doctor to request the missing information, which delays your benefits.
Timing: when to explore and how long processing takes
You should explore as soon as you know you will miss work for three or more consecutive days. The Division can only pay benefits starting from the date they receive your complete process and medical certification — they cannot backdate benefits to cover time before you applied.
Processing typically takes two to three weeks once the Division has your process, medical certification, and wage information. During that time, they verify your employer's coverage and confirm with your doctor that the medical information is correct. If anything is missing, they will contact you by phone or mail.
Benefits are paid weekly by check or direct deposit, depending on what you choose when you explore. Your first payment usually arrives within one to two weeks after your process is approved.
How much you will receive and how long benefits last
The program pays 66.67% of your average weekly wage, up to a maximum amount. The maximum benefit amount changes each year — you can find the current year's maximum on the Division's website or by calling them. For example, if your average weekly wage is $600 and the maximum is $400, you would receive $400 per week.
Benefits continue as long as your doctor certifies that you cannot work, up to a maximum of 52 weeks. If your condition lasts longer than expected, you may need to submit an updated medical certification to continue receiving benefits. The Division will tell you when to do this.
If you return to work part-time while still recovering, you can continue to receive partial benefits. The Division calculates this based on the wages you earn in the weeks you work. Report any work or income to the Division when ready so they can adjust your payment.
What happens if your process is denied
The Division may deny your process if your employer does not carry TDI coverage, if your condition is work-related (which falls under workers' compensation instead), or if your medical certification does not show that you are unable to work.
If your process is denied, the Division will send you a written notice explaining the reason. You have the right to appeal the decision. The notice will include instructions on how to request an appeal hearing, which is usually held by phone or video conference.
To appeal, you must submit a written request within a certain timeframe — the notice will state the important date. Bring any additional medical records, letters from your doctor, or other evidence that supports your case. Many people win on appeal, especially if they can provide clearer medical documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I explore for TDI if I am self-employed?
Self-employed people in Utah can purchase TDI coverage voluntarily, but it is not required. If you have purchased coverage, you can explore the same way as any other worker. If you have not purchased coverage, you are not covered by the program. Contact the Division to ask whether you can enroll.
What if my employer says they do not carry TDI?
Call the Division of Workforce Services to verify. If your employer is required to carry coverage but does not, the Division can help you file a complaint. If your employer is not required to carry coverage, you will not be able to receive TDI benefits through this program.
Do I have to use a specific doctor, or can I see any doctor?
You can see any licensed doctor — there is no required provider list. Your primary care physician, an urgent care clinic, or a specialist can all complete the medical certification. The Division does not need to approve your choice of doctor.
What if I miss the important date to submit my process?
The Division can only pay benefits starting from the date they receive your complete process. If you delay submitting, you will lose benefits for those weeks. explore as soon as you know you will be out of work for three or more days to avoid losing pay.
Can I work part-time while receiving TDI benefits?
Yes, but you must report any work and income to the Division. They will reduce your benefit payment based on what you earn. If you earn enough to cover your living expenses, your TDI benefit may be reduced to zero for that week.