In Pennsylvania, permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits are calculated using Specific loss schedule, administered by the Pennsylvania Bureau of Workers' Compensation, with a maximum weekly benefit of $1,394.
Permanent partial disability (PPD) in Pennsylvania is awarded after you reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) and your treating physician assigns a permanent impairment rating. Pennsylvania uses specific loss schedule to calculate PPD benefits. The impairment rating is expressed as a percentage of the whole body or as a specific body-part award, and multiplied by a dollar value set by state law to arrive at your PPD benefit.
The three main permanent disability systems in the U.S. are: (1) Impairment-based, your impairment percentage is multiplied by a fixed value per percent; (2) Scheduled loss, each body part has a maximum number of benefit weeks, and you receive a fraction based on impairment; (3) Wage-loss, benefits are based on the actual difference between pre- and post-injury earning capacity. Pennsylvania uses the specific loss schedule method, administered by the Pennsylvania Bureau of Workers' Compensation.
Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs) play a central role in permanent disability determinations. Both you and the insurer have the right to request an IME if you disagree with the treating physician's impairment rating. If you receive a PPD rating you believe is too low, you have the right to challenge it through the Pennsylvania Bureau of Workers' Compensation within 20 days.
| State | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|
| Administering Authority | Pennsylvania Bureau of Workers' Compensation |
| PPD System | Specific loss schedule |
| Weekly Benefit Rate | 67% of AWW |
| Maximum Weekly Benefit | $1,394 |
| Appeal Deadline | 20 days from denial |
In Pennsylvania, specific loss schedule is used to rate PPD. After reaching Maximum Medical Improvement, your treating physician assigns an impairment rating that is converted to a dollar amount or weeks of benefits based on Pennsylvania's PPD schedule and your weekly benefit rate of 67%.
Yes. Permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits are awarded for permanent loss of function, they are not conditioned on current employment status. If you receive a PPD settlement and later return to full-duty work, you keep your PPD award.
The maximum PPD payout in Pennsylvania depends on your impairment rating, your pre-injury wages, and the state's PPD schedule. With a maximum weekly benefit of $1,394, a high impairment rating and serious injury can result in a substantial PPD award, potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars for severe whole-body impairment.
An Independent Medical Examination (IME) is a medical evaluation requested by the insurer to assess your impairment independently of your treating physician. IME ratings frequently differ from treating physician ratings, often lower. If you disagree with the IME rating, you have 20 days to challenge it by filing with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Workers' Compensation. Legal representation is strongly recommended at this stage.
In Pennsylvania, the Specific loss schedule system determines whether your injury is treated as a scheduled injury (specific body part with a fixed maximum number of benefit weeks) or an unscheduled injury (whole-body or wage-loss basis). Scheduled injuries are generally more predictable; unscheduled injuries may provide higher awards for workers with significant wage loss.
Permanent partial disability (PPD) payments in Pennsylvania can be paid as a lump sum (common in settlements) or as weekly payments over a defined number of weeks based on the PPD schedule and impairment rating. Permanent total disability (PTD) benefits, for workers unable to perform any work, may continue for life, up to $1,394 per week.
From Pennsylvania Bureau of Workers' Compensation and Pennsylvania law. Checked October 2026. Each rule links to its official source.
| Weekly benefit | Two-thirds (66 2/3%) of average weekly wage, with a minimum that is the lower of 90% of the worker's wage or 50% of the statewide average. Source |
|---|---|
| Weekly maximum | $1,394.00 per week for injuries occurring January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026. Resets every January 1. Source |
| Waiting period | No wage benefits for the first 7 days of disability; if disability lasts 14 days or more, the first 7 days are paid retroactively. Source |
| Tell your employer | Notify the employer within 21 days for benefits from day one; notice later than 120 days after the injury bars compensation. Source |
| Deadline to file a claim | File a claim petition within 3 years of the injury. If compensation was paid, 3 years from the most recent payment. Source |
| Settlement approval | Yes. A compromise and release must be approved by a Workers' Compensation Judge at a hearing. Source |
| Attorney fees | 20% of the amount awarded or of a compromise and release settlement; fees must be approved by the judge or Appeal Board. Source |
Rules change. Confirm deadlines with Pennsylvania Bureau of Workers' Compensation or a licensed workers comp attorney before you rely on them.