This benefit often decides whether an injured worker can keep paying rent, utilities, and groceries while completely off the job. In workers' compensation, temporary total disability means a medically verified period when the worker cannot perform any work for a limited time because of a job-related injury or occupational disease. "Temporary" means recovery is still expected or treatment is ongoing. "Total" means no work capacity at all, not just reduced duties. In Virginia, wage-loss payments for temporary total disability are generally 66 2/3% of the worker's average weekly wage, subject to the statewide minimum and maximum set each year under Va. Code § 65.2-500.

For a claim, the key proof is usually an authorized treating physician's written opinion taking the worker completely out of work. If the employer offers approved light duty within the medical restrictions, the worker may no longer qualify as "total." If no work is allowed, benefits can continue until the worker returns, is released to selective work, or reaches another benefit category such as temporary partial disability or permanent partial disability.

Virginia also applies a waiting period. Under Va. Code § 65.2-509, no compensation is paid for the first seven days of disability unless the incapacity lasts more than 21 days, in which case those first seven days become payable. Claims are administered through the Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission, and missing medical documentation can stop checks even when the injury itself is undisputed.