Temporary total disability benefits in North Carolina are paid when you are completely unable to work due to injury, beginning after a seven‑day waiting period, unless disability lasts more than 21 days. Payments continue until your physician clears you for unrestricted work, assigns light duty, you reach maximum medical improvement, or the 500‑week cap is met. Because this cap is critical, injured workers nearing the limit should consult an attorney about options such as permanent total disability, extended compensation, or settlement. If light duty pays less, temporary partial disability covers two‑thirds of the difference.