What Temporary Disability Covers in Wisconsin

Wisconsin's temporary disability program, called Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI), pays part of your wages if you cannot work because of a non-work injury or illness. The state runs the program through payroll deductions — you and your employer both contribute. If you become temporarily unable to work, you file a claim with the state, not with your employer.

The program replaces roughly 50 to 67 percent of your average weekly wage, up to a state maximum that changes each year. Benefits last up to 52 weeks for most conditions. You must be unable to work for at least seven consecutive days before you can receive payment, though the waiting period itself is not paid.

TDI is separate from workers' compensation (which covers work injuries) and from Social Security Disability Insurance (which is federal and requires a longer approval process). If your disability stems from a workplace injury, you file a workers' compensation claim instead. If your condition is expected to last longer than one year, you may eventually need to explore federal disability options as well.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have worked in Wisconsin and had TDI deductions from your paycheck to be covered by the program.
  • The claim form (DI-100) goes to the state Department of Safety and Professional Services, not to your employer, and requires a doctor's statement.
  • You have a seven-day waiting period before benefits begin, and the state typically decides your claim within two to three weeks.
  • If your condition lasts longer than 52 weeks, you will need to explore other programs like federal disability insurance.

Confirm You Are Covered by Wisconsin TDI

Not all Wisconsin workers are covered. You must have been employed in Wisconsin and had TDI contributions taken from your paycheck. If you worked for the federal government, the railroad, or certain religious organizations, you are not covered. Self-employed people are not covered unless they chose to participate when they registered their business.

Check your recent pay stub for a line item labeled "TDI" or "Temporary Disability Insurance." If you see a deduction, you are covered. If you do not see one and believe you should be covered, contact the Department of Safety and Professional Services at 608-266-2112 to verify your status before filing.

You also must have earned enough in the past year to meet the program's wage requirement. Wisconsin requires that you earned at least $2,000 in the 52 weeks before your disability began. If you worked part-time or started a job recently, check whether you meet this threshold.

Gather Required Documents Before Filing

You will need three main pieces of information to complete your claim: proof of your identity, your Social Security number, and a medical statement from your doctor. Start by collecting these items before you contact the state.

Your doctor must complete a specific form called the Physician's Statement (DI-100P). This form asks your doctor to confirm that you are unable to work, when your disability began, and when you might be able to return to work. You can read the form from the Department of Safety and Professional Services website or ask your doctor's office for it. Your doctor may charge a fee to complete this form — Wisconsin does not cover that cost.

You will also need your most recent pay stub to show your average weekly wage, and the name and contact information for your employer. Have your employer's federal identification number (EIN) ready if you have it, though the state can look this up if you provide the company name and address.

File Your Claim With the State

The claim form is called the process for Temporary Disability Insurance Benefits (DI-100). You can file by mail, by phone, or online through the Department of Safety and Professional Services website. Filing online is fastest — the state processes online claims more quickly than paper ones.

To file online, go to dsps.wi.gov and look for the Temporary Disability Insurance section. You will create an account, enter your personal information, employment history, and the date your disability began, and upload your physician's statement. If you file by phone, call 608-266-2112 and a staff member will walk you through the questions. If you mail the form, send it to the address listed on the DI-100 itself.

File as soon as you know you will be unable to work for at least seven days. The sooner you file, the sooner the state can begin processing your claim. There is no penalty for filing early, but there is a cost to filing late — benefits do not go back further than the date you file.

What Happens After You File

The state typically makes a decision on your claim within two to three weeks. During that time, the Department of Safety and Professional Services may contact your doctor to verify the information on the physician's statement, or may ask you for additional medical records. Respond to any requests from the state promptly — delays in providing documents can slow your claim.

If the state approves your claim, you will receive a notice in the mail explaining your weekly benefit amount and when payments will begin. Payments are made by direct deposit or check, depending on what you choose. Your first payment will cover the week after your seven-day waiting period ends, even though you filed earlier.

If the state denies your claim, you will receive a written decision explaining why. You have the right to request a hearing before an administrative law judge. You must request the hearing within 30 days of the denial notice. Contact the Department of Safety and Professional Services to file an appeal.

Report Changes and Manage Your Benefits

While you are receiving benefits, you must report any changes in your situation to the state. If you return to work, even part-time, you must report your earnings. If your doctor says you can return to work, notify the state when ready — continuing to receive benefits after you are able to work is considered fraud.

You are also required to report if you receive workers' compensation, unemployment insurance, or any other wage-replacement benefit. Wisconsin will coordinate these payments so you do not receive more than your normal weekly wage from all sources combined.

The state will send you a form each week or month asking you to confirm your status. Complete and return it on time. If you miss a reporting important date, your benefits may be delayed or stopped.

What to Do If Your Disability Lasts Longer Than 52 Weeks

Wisconsin TDI covers up to 52 weeks of benefits. If your condition does not improve and you remain unable to work after that period ends, TDI will stop. At that point, you may be able to file for federal Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), which is a longer-term program for people with disabilities expected to last at least 12 months.

SSDI has a different process process and different rules about what counts as a disability. The approval process is longer — typically four to six months for an initial decision. You can file for SSDI while still receiving TDI, and you should do so before your TDI benefits run out. Contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to learn about filing.

Some people also explore vocational rehabilitation services through the state, which can help you retrain for a different job if you cannot return to your previous work. The Department of Vocational Rehabilitation can assess whether you are a candidate for these services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work part-time while receiving temporary disability benefits?

Yes, but you must report your earnings to the state. Wisconsin allows you to earn a small amount without losing benefits, but earnings above that threshold will reduce your weekly payment. The state will explain your earnings limit when your claim is approved. If you earn more than the limit, you may lose all benefits for that week.

How long does it take to get my first payment?

The state typically decides your claim within two to three weeks. If approved, your first payment covers the week after your seven-day waiting period ends. So from the date you file, expect to wait roughly three to four weeks before your first check arrives, assuming no delays in providing documents.

What if my doctor will not complete the physician's statement form?

Contact the state when ready. The Department of Safety and Professional Services can sometimes contact your doctor directly to obtain the necessary medical information. If your doctor refuses to cooperate, you may need to see a different doctor who will complete the form, or the state may deny your claim for lack of medical evidence.

Can I receive temporary disability benefits and unemployment at the same time?

No. If you are unable to work due to disability, you do not meet the requirement for unemployment benefits, which requires that you be able and willing to work. If you receive both, the state will coordinate the payments and may ask you to repay one of them.

What happens if I do not report a change in my situation?

Failing to report changes — such as returning to work or receiving other benefits — is considered fraud. The state may ask you to repay benefits you received while ineligible, and you could face penalties or criminal charges. Always report changes as soon as they occur.