How long is the waiting period for receiving temporary disability benefits in Hawaii?

In Hawaii, the waiting period for receiving temporary disability benefits is established as three days. This means that an employee must be unable to work due to a workplace injury or related condition for at least three days before they can start to receive these benefits. The rationale behind this waiting period is to ensure that temporary disability benefits are provided to those who truly need them for an extended absence from work rather than those who may have very brief or minor interruptions.

It’s also important to note that if the employee is disabled for more than fourteen days, the three-day waiting period is waived and benefits can be retroactively paid from the first day of disability. This is designed to provide support for workers dealing with more significant injuries or illnesses while also managing the distribution of benefits effectively within the workers' compensation system.