Workers compensation weekly benefits in your state are calculated at 60%–80% of your average weekly wage (AWW), capped at $756–$2,108 per week. This is your temporary total disability (TTD) rate — the amount you receive each week while you are completely unable to work due to a work-related injury. AWW is calculated based on the 52 weeks of earnings prior to your injury date, divided by the number of weeks you actually worked, as required by your state workers comp board.
Duration of weekly benefits varies dramatically by state, from just 104 weeks in Florida and Texas to no statutory limit in Illinois, Oregon, and several other states. TTD benefits continue until you return to work, reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI), or exhaust the state's maximum benefit period, whichever comes first.
Most workers comp waiting periods are 3 to 7 days — meaning your first check doesn't arrive until you have missed that many days of work. However, if you remain disabled beyond a retroactive threshold (usually 14–21 days), the waiting period days are typically paid retroactively. Be sure to report your injury to your employer on the date it occurs to preserve your right to full benefit payment from the first eligible day.
In your state, your weekly benefit is 66.67% of your average weekly wage (AWW), but no more than $1,000–$2,000 per week. AWW is your total gross wages over the past 52 weeks divided by the weeks you worked. For example, if you earned $60,000 over 50 weeks, your AWW is $1,200 and your weekly benefit would be approximately $800.
In your state, temporary total disability (TTD) benefits can last varies by state. Benefits end when you return to work, reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI), or reach the statutory maximum — whichever comes first.
If your employer or insurer disputes your AWW calculation in your state, you have 30 days to file a formal dispute with the your state workers comp board. Keep all pay stubs and time sheets for the past 12 months.
Yes. Most states — including your state — impose a waiting period of 3 to 7 days before benefits start. If you are disabled beyond the retroactive threshold (typically 14–21 days), the waiting period days are usually paid retroactively, so a long-term injury results in benefits from day one.
In your state, your AWW typically includes regular wages, predictable overtime, shift differentials, and in some cases regular bonuses or tips. Housing allowances and other fringe benefits may also count. One-time bonuses and irregular income are generally excluded. The your state workers comp board provides specific guidance on AWW components.
Yes. If you return to work in a limited capacity earning less than your pre-injury wage, you transition from Temporary Total Disability (TTD) to Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) — also called wage differential benefits. TPD pays 66.67% of the gap between your pre-injury and current earnings, up to $1,000–$2,000 per week.
Workers compensation weekly benefits are generally not subject to federal income tax under IRC Section 104(a)(1). They are also exempt from Social Security and Medicare (FICA) taxes. If you receive both workers comp and SSDI simultaneously, an offset rule may reduce your SSDI payment if combined benefits exceed 80% of pre-injury earnings.