Workers Compensation Benefit Calculator
Average gross weekly wage before injury.
Cap varies: CA $1,764, NY $1,281, IL $2,074.
Most states: 66.67% of pre-injury wage, capped at state max.
For TTD / TPD only.
Per AMA Guides 6th. PPD = % × 500 weeks × weekly rate.
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How to use
- 1 Enter your average pre-injury weekly wage (gross). Most states use the highest 52 weeks before injury.
- 2 Choose disability type: TTD (most common, full disability for limited time), TPD (partial wage loss), PTD (lifetime), or PPD (permanent impairment).
- 3 For TTD/TPD: enter weeks disabled. For PPD: enter impairment percentage (5-100%) — calculator multiplies by 500 scheduled weeks.
- 4 Select your state — applies the state-specific maximum weekly benefit cap (CA $1,764, NY $1,281, etc.).
- 5 Click Calculate to see weekly benefit (66.67% of wage capped), total benefit, and confirmation that benefits are tax-free under IRC §104(a)(1).
About Workers Compensation Benefit Calculator
FAQ
Q How much does workers' comp pay in 2026?
Generally 66.67% (two-thirds) of your pre-injury weekly wage, capped at the state maximum. 2026 max examples: California $1,764.11, New York $1,281.50, Illinois $2,074, Iowa $1,280.84, Texas $1,095, Georgia $800 (lowest). Tax-free under IRC §104(a)(1).
Q Are workers' comp benefits taxable?
NO — completely tax-free under IRC §104(a)(1). Federal income tax exempt, most states also exempt. EXCEPTION: if you also receive Social Security Disability (SSDI), the workers' comp offset rule may reduce SSDI to keep total under 80% of pre-injury wages.
Q What is the difference between TTD, TPD, PTD, and PPD?
TTD: temporarily fully disabled — 66.67% wage replacement. TPD: temporarily partial — pays 66.67% of wage difference. PTD: permanently fully disabled — lifetime benefits. PPD: permanent impairment but able to work — impairment % × 500 scheduled weeks × weekly rate.
Q How long do workers' comp benefits last?
TTD: typically up to 104 weeks (2 years) in most states; CA up to 240 weeks for some injuries. PTD: lifetime in most states; some cap at age 65. PPD: based on impairment schedule — partial week count × weekly rate. Medical benefits often unlimited.
Q Can I be fired while on workers' comp?
Generally NO — most states protect workers' comp claimants from retaliatory termination. CA, NY, IL, MA all have explicit anti-retaliation laws with double/triple damages. Employer can fire for unrelated cause but burden is on them to prove non-retaliatory motive.
Q What is the workers' comp waiting period?
Typically 3-7 calendar days before benefits start. Retroactive payment for the waiting period if disability extends beyond 14-21 days (state-specific). CA: 3-day waiting; retroactive if 14+ days. NY: 7-day waiting; retroactive if 14+ days. IL: 3-day waiting.
Q Can I sue my employer for a workplace injury?
Generally NO — workers' comp is the EXCLUSIVE REMEDY against the employer (covered by §1979 in most states). You CAN sue third parties: subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, drivers in motor vehicle accidents. Major exception: intentional employer misconduct may permit lawsuit (rare).
Q Do I need a lawyer for workers' comp?
For simple TTD claims with no dispute: usually NO. For PPD impairment ratings, denied claims, settlement negotiations, or PTD: YES. Workers' comp attorneys typically charge contingency fees (10-25% of award), capped by state law. Free initial consultation standard.
Official resources
SSA POMS DI 52150.045 — State Workers' Comp Max Benefits Chart
Social Security Administration Program Operations Manual System chart of state workers' comp maximum weekly benefits.
IRS — Compensation for Injuries §104(a)(1)
26 CFR §1.104-1 governing tax-free treatment of workers' compensation benefits and disability awards.
CA DIR — Workers' Compensation Benefits
California Division of Workers' Compensation official site with 2026 max benefit rates and claim filing.
NY WCB — Maximum Weekly Benefit Schedule
New York Workers' Compensation Board schedule of maximum weekly benefits including 2026-2027 rates.