Most people don’t realize that the length of time you can receive workers’ compensation benefits depends on whether you are considered partially or totally disabled. In the majority of cases, injured workers fall under the category of partial disability, meaning they can perform some work activities but not the full duties of the job where the injury occurred. In these situations, the law allows you to collect weekly workers’ compensation benefits for up to six years, or 312 weeks. Once you reach that six-year “gate,” your benefits stop—even if you still cannot return to your former job. This cut-off is written into the law as an incentive to transition back into suitable employment if you can. However, if you are classified as totally disabled and unable to perform any job due to your injuries, there is no time limit. You may continue receiving benefits for the rest of your life, provided your disability status remains unchanged. For guidance on how long your benefits may last in your situation, our Rhode Island workers comp attorney team can help explain your rights. You can also review our RI workers’ comp benefits for a broader understanding of long-term eligibility. It may also be helpful to explore related topics such as how your salary is replaced or how disability benefits interact.

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