What Happens After MMI in Workers’ Comp?

Does MMI Mean You’re Fully Recovered From a Workplace Injury?

MMI doesn’t mean you're fully healed. It means your condition is stable. If you’re still experiencing impairments, your doctor may assign a permanent partial disability (PPD) rating, which insurers use to calculate long-term benefits. In some cases, your employer or the insurance company may try to end your benefits prematurely, using the MMI finding as justification.

A doctor is the only person who can determine you’ve reached MMI. If a doctor decides no further improvement can be made medically, then MMI is achieved. MMI in workers' comp means you will most likely lose TTD benefits due to your condition's improvement. However, there are other benefits you can still obtain that may help you with your recovery.

What to Expect After Reaching MMI in Workers' Comp

If an injured person has reached maximum medical improvement, the doctor will provide a disability rating and give the injured person a list of work-related restrictions and capabilities. This will tell the injured individual what they can and cannot do because of the workplace injury. If the condition is serious enough, the victim may not be able to return to work at all. It is important to make sure the doctor has formalized these restrictions in writing. 

Under Illinois law, your entitlement to TTD, or Temporary Total Disability benefits, ends when you reach MMI.

What Happens If You Can’t Do Your Previous Job After Reaching MMI?

If a worker cannot return to their previous job after reaching MMI, but is still able to work, they may be eligible for payments towards vocational rehabilitation. Injured individuals may be eligible for vocational retraining if it is determined that such training will assist them in regaining their previous earning capacity. Under Illinois workers' compensation law, “The employer shall also pay for treatment, instruction and training necessary for the physical, mental and vocational rehabilitation of the employee, including all maintenance costs and expenses incidental thereto.” 

Maintenance Benefits May Be Available After MMI

There is good news though. You may be eligible for Maintenance benefits after reaching MMI. These are a continuation of your TTD benefits. However, employers frequently require that workers perform a job search to be eligible for maintenance benefits.

This isn’t as simple as just filling out some applications online. Illinois courts have found that you must prove your job search was both diligent, i.e.… you are looking hard enough, and appropriate, i.e.… you are looking for the correct types of jobs. This can be harder than it sounds.

Working out a plan for what jobs you can apply for, making sure that you have an updated resume, and ensuring proper follow-up with potential employers, are all minimum standards. If this sounds like work, that’s because it is. In this scenario, finding a job can become more work than just having a job, and certainly more stressful. 

FAQ: What Happens After MMI?

Can I return to work after MMI?
Yes, if your restrictions allow. If not, you may be eligible for vocational rehabilitation or a settlement.

Does reaching MMI mean I’m no longer injured?
No. MMI means your condition is stable, not that you’re fully healed.

What benefits can I still receive after MMI?
You may qualify for permanent disability benefits, vocational rehab, or maintenance benefits, depending on your doctor’s rating and job capacity.