Legal & Financial Tools

Workers Comp Calculator

Estimate your workers compensation weekly benefits, total payments, and settlement value for all 50 US states. Based on 2024 state maximum rates and standard disability calculations.

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Your gross (pre-tax) weekly earnings in the 52 weeks before injury

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Workers Comp Maximum Weekly Benefits by State (2024)

Maximum weekly temporary total disability (TTD) benefit amounts for all 50 states.

State Max Weekly Rate State Max Weekly Rate

* Rates are approximate 2024 figures. Replacement rates shown are for TTD. Actual rates may be adjusted annually.

Workers Compensation: Complete Guide to Benefits & Claims

Workers compensation is a state-mandated insurance program that provides wage replacement and medical benefits to employees injured on the job. In exchange for these guaranteed benefits, injured workers generally give up the right to sue their employer for negligence. Understanding how workers comp benefits are calculated helps you verify that you're receiving the correct amount and plan your finances during recovery.

How Weekly Workers Comp Benefits Are Calculated

The standard formula used in most states is: Weekly Benefit = Average Weekly Wage × Replacement Rate, subject to the state's maximum weekly benefit. Your Average Weekly Wage (AWW) is typically your total gross wages in the 52 weeks before injury divided by 52. Most states replace 66.67% (two-thirds) of your AWW — though some states like Iowa (80%), Connecticut (75%), and Massachusetts (60%) use different rates. If your calculated benefit exceeds the state maximum, you receive the maximum.

Types of Workers Comp Disability Benefits Explained

Temporary Total Disability (TTD) is the most common benefit — paid while you are completely off work recovering, at 66.67% AWW up to the state maximum. Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) is paid when you return to light duty at reduced wages — typically two-thirds of the difference between your pre-injury and current wages. Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) is awarded after you reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) and have a permanent impairment — calculated as a percentage of the affected body part's maximum benefit weeks. Permanent Total Disability (PTD) provides ongoing benefits, sometimes for life, when the worker cannot return to any employment.

Workers Comp vs Personal Injury Lawsuit

Workers comp is a no-fault system — you do not need to prove your employer was negligent to receive benefits. However, you also cannot sue your employer for pain and suffering damages in most cases. A third-party lawsuit is possible if someone other than your employer caused the injury — for example, a negligent driver in a work vehicle accident, or a defective product manufacturer. Third-party claims can recover pain and suffering, full lost wages, and other damages not available through workers comp. An experienced workers comp attorney can advise whether a third-party claim applies to your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Workers compensation benefits are typically calculated as a percentage of your average weekly wage (AWW). Most states pay 66.67% (two-thirds) of your pre-injury average weekly wage, up to a state-mandated maximum. Your AWW is usually calculated from your wages in the 52 weeks before your injury. For example, if you earned $1,200/week, your weekly workers comp benefit would be approximately $800 (66.67% × $1,200), subject to your state maximum.
Your Average Weekly Wage (AWW) is the foundation of workers comp calculations. It is typically calculated by adding up all wages earned in the 52 weeks before the injury date and dividing by 52. Some states use 13 weeks or 26 weeks instead. AWW includes base wages, overtime (in some states), bonuses, tips, and commissions. Part-time workers may have their AWW calculated differently.
Duration depends on injury severity: Temporary Total Disability (TTD): until you return to work or reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI), typically up to 2 years. Temporary Partial Disability (TPD): while working light duty at reduced wages. Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): lump sum or weekly payments based on impairment rating. Permanent Total Disability (PTD): lifetime benefits in most states. Medical benefits typically continue for life for the injured body part.
Every state sets a maximum weekly benefit (usually tied to the state average weekly wage). Examples: California max is $1,620.00/week (2024), Texas max is $1,066/week, Florida max is $1,206/week, New York max is $1,145.43/week, and Illinois max is $1,897.68/week. Our calculator applies the correct maximum for your state automatically.
There are four main types: Temporary Total Disability (TTD) — you cannot work at all while recovering, paid at 66.67% AWW. Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) — you can work light duty at reduced wages, paid for the wage difference. Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) — permanent impairment after reaching MMI, based on an impairment rating. Permanent Total Disability (PTD) — cannot return to any work, may receive lifetime benefits.
Federal law: workers compensation benefits are generally NOT subject to federal income tax. State taxes: most states also do not tax workers comp benefits. Exception: if you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) simultaneously, your combined benefits may be subject to taxation through the "workers comp offset." Always consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
Technically, most states allow employers to terminate employees for legitimate business reasons while on workers comp — but you cannot legally be fired solely BECAUSE you filed a workers comp claim. This is called workers comp retaliation and is illegal in all states. If fired while on workers comp, your benefits typically continue. Consult a workers comp attorney immediately if you suspect retaliation.
A workers comp settlement is a lump-sum payment that closes your workers comp claim. There are two types: Compromise and Release (C&R) — you receive a lump sum and give up all future benefits including medical. Stipulation with Request for Award — you receive payments but keep rights to future medical treatment. Settlement amounts depend on your impairment rating, future wage loss, and future medical costs. Always consult a workers comp attorney before settling.
After reaching Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI), a doctor assigns a permanent impairment rating — a percentage that reflects how much function you permanently lost. This percentage, combined with your AWW and age, determines your Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) benefit. For example, a 10% whole body impairment rating might entitle you to 30–100 weeks of benefits depending on your state.
Settlement value is influenced by: future medical costs for the injury, permanent disability rating × weeks of benefits per state schedule, future lost wages if you cannot return to your previous job, pain and suffering (in states that allow it in third-party claims), attorney fees (typically 15–25% of the settlement). Use our calculator as a starting estimate, but consult a licensed workers comp attorney for accurate valuation.
Workers comp covers injuries and illnesses that arise out of and occur in the course of employment. This includes: workplace accidents (falls, machinery accidents, vehicle accidents), repetitive motion injuries (carpal tunnel, back strain), occupational diseases (asbestosis, chemical exposure), mental health conditions caused by work in some states, and aggravation of pre-existing conditions. It does not cover injuries from intoxication, intentional self-harm, or off-duty activities.
Statutes of limitations vary by state but are typically 1–3 years from the date of injury or the date you knew (or should have known) the injury was work-related. Some states: California — 1 year, Texas — 1 year, Florida — 2 years, New York — 2 years, Illinois — 3 years. Missing the deadline usually bars your claim entirely. Report your injury to your employer immediately — most states require notice within 30–90 days.
Step 1: Seek immediate medical attention — always tell the doctor this is a work injury. Step 2: Report the injury to your employer in writing as soon as possible. Step 3: File a workers comp claim with your state board. Step 4: Document everything — photos, witness names, medical records, all communications. Step 5: Do not give a recorded statement to the insurance company without consulting an attorney. Step 6: Follow all medical advice and attend all appointments — gaps in treatment hurt your claim.