Updated on March 30, 2026
Do you get holiday or vacation pay while on workers' comp in California? Clients often wonder if they must use their paid time off (PTO) or vacation time for a work-related injury. They technically shouldn't have to. The workers' compensation system's entire purpose is to help injured workers deal with those issues. It includes Total Temporary Disability (TTD), which pays out two-thirds of your average weekly wages while you cannot work due to your workplace injury.
Are There Exceptions to the Rule?
However, there can be situations where injured workers sometimes end up using their time off. This usually happens when insurance companies deny their claims for real legitimate injuries, and employees then wound up using their PTO or sick leave to go to doctor's appointments or recover. According to California's law, PTO and vacation are wages that have been earned by the employee but still haven't been paid to them.
But even if your claim does get accepted, there could be a delay period while your Workers' Compensation insurance company reviews your case, and they sometimes can be drawn out. If this happens, workers can apply for State Disability Insurance Program, which provides short-term Disability Insurance (DI) and Paid Family Leave (PFL) wage replacement benefits for eligible workers who need time off work.
Watch Our New Episode of Work Comp Talk Podcast
How Long Can You Qualify for Total Temporary Disability Benefits?
We also want to remind you that Total Temporary Disability Benefits (TTD) isn't indefinite. There is a 104-week cap, which could be extended for 208 weeks if the person has severe injuries or illnesses. Moreover, if you are still recovering, but you are running out of TTD, it might be necessary to use your PTO.
Remember, an experienced work-injury attorney can help you in the future. You can reclaim that lost time if you've been forced to use it in the form of retro-TD (temporary disability back-paid to the date of your injury).
If you need help or have been denied TTD Benefits, Pacific Workers', The Lawyers for Injured Workers can help you. Contact us online to schedule a case consultation.
We are Northern California's Premier Workers' Compensation Law Firm. We represent
- First Responders
- Health Care Workers
- Construction Workers
- Delivery Workers
- Warehouse Workers
and all hard-working people that keep our community moving in their Fight for Justice against the workers' comp system.
With over 250+ Five Star Reviews, an incredible staff of caring, well-trained, advanced technology for superior client communication, a track record of an over 98% win rate, and giving back to our community through the Pacific Workers' Foundation, it is easy to see why Pacific Workers' is the go-to law firm for all injured workers in Northern California. Offices in Oakland, Concord, Stockton, Tracy, San Jose, and Sacramento.
If you or a loved one needs our help or just has a question, give us a call or contact us online.
Get a Free Case Review Today
If you're unsure whether you should use your PTO while on workers’ compensation, or if your benefits have been delayed or denied, don’t try to figure it out alone. These decisions can directly impact your income and your recovery.
At Pacific Workers, we help injured workers understand their rights, protect their benefits, and avoid costly mistakes in their claim.
👉 Visit pacificworkers.com or call us at 800-606-6999 to schedule your free consultation, and speak directly with our team.
Learn More About Workers' Compensation Cases We Handle Call Our Work Injury Lawyers Today
About the Author
Bilal Kassem President and Co-founder
Bilal Kassem is the co-founder of Pacific Workers and a nominee for Applicant Attorney of the Year. With a deep-rooted passion for helping injured workers, Bilal leads with empathy and empowers his team to deliver world-class service from the very first interaction.
Bilal has helped thousands of injured workers navigate complex decisions around wage replacement, including when and how to use PTO during a claim. His work at Pacific Workers has contributed to securing millions in benefits for clients, while educating workers on how to protect their rights and avoid costly mistakes during the recovery process.