Workers' Compensation Payment Calculator

Workers' compensationis a form of insurance providing wage replacement and medical benefits to employees injured in the course of employment. Each state administers its own workers' compensation program with specific rules regarding benefit amounts, duration, and eligibility. The core benefit is typically 66.67% (two-thirds) of your average weekly wage (AWW), subject to a state-specific maximum weekly benefit amount. Our workers' compensation payment calculator helps injured workers, employers, and attorneys estimate these benefits based on standard state formulas. The calculator applies the correct compensation rate, impairment rating adjustments, and state-specific maximums to provide accurate benefit estimates.

1. 1. Enter Your Pre-Injury Weekly Wage: Start by entering your average weekly wage before the injury. This is typically your gross weekly earnings averaged over a period before the injury date (usually 13-52 weeks depending on state rules). The workers' comp calculator uses this as the base for calculating your compensation rate. If you're paid bi-weekly or monthly, divide your pay by the number of weeks in that period to get your weekly wage. The calculator caps your benefit at your state's maximum, so entering a higher wage won't exceed what your state allows.
2. 2. Select Your State & Injury Type: Choose your state from the list - the calculator uses your state's specific maximum weekly benefit amount and compensation rules. Then select the injury type that applies: Temporary Total Disability (TTD) - unable to work at all while recovering; Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) - able to work reduced hours during recovery; Permanent Total Disability (PTD) - permanent injury preventing any gainful employment; or Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) - permanent impairment but able to work in some capacity. The calculator adjusts benefit calculations and duration based on the injury type selected.
3. 3. Review Your Estimated Benefits: The workers' comp payment calculator displays a comprehensive breakdown of your estimated benefits: Compensation Rate (66.67% of your AWW, up to the state maximum), Weekly Benefit Amount (your actual weekly payment), Monthly Benefit Amount (for easier budgeting), Total Benefit Duration (weeks of benefits based on injury type and impairment rating), Estimated Total Payout (weekly benefit × duration), and State Maximum Reference(your state's current maximum weekly benefit for comparison). For PPD claims, the impairment rating percentage is used to calculate the appropriate benefit duration.

• Average Weekly Wage (AWW):Your average gross weekly earnings before the injury. This is the foundation of all benefit calculations. Most states calculate AWW by averaging your earnings over the 13-52 weeks preceding the injury. Overtime, tips, commissions, and bonuses are typically included. Part-time and seasonal workers may have different calculation methods. The workers' comp calculator uses your entered weekly wage to compute the compensation rate.
• Compensation Rate (66.67% Rule):Most states set the weekly benefit at 66.67% (two-thirds) of the employee's average weekly wage, subject to a maximum and sometimes a minimum benefit. For example, if your AWW is $1,200 and your state maximum is $1,000, your benefit rate would be $800 ($1,200 × 66.67% = $800, which is under the $1,000 maximum). If your AWW is $1,800, your benefit rate would be capped at the state maximum of $1,000. Some states have different percentages (e.g., 60% in some cases) or different maximums for specific injury types.
• Impairment Rating (AMA Guides): For permanent partial disability claims, a doctor assigns an impairment rating percentage based on the American Medical Association (AMA) Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment. This rating reflects the severity of the permanent impairment. The rating is used to determine the number of weeks of benefits. For example, a 10% impairment rating with a scheduled duration of 500 weeks would result in 50 weeks of PPD benefits (500 × 10%). Different body parts have different scheduled durations based on state laws.
• State Maximum Weekly Benefit:Every state sets a maximum weekly benefit amount that workers' comp payments cannot exceed. These maximums are typically updated annually based on the state average weekly wage (SAWW). Our calculator includes the most current state maximums available. State maximums vary widely - from around $500 in some states to over $1,500 in others. The calculator automatically caps your benefit at the appropriate state maximum.

This workers' compensation payment calculator provides estimates for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Actual workers' comp benefits depend on many factors not captured by this calculator, including specific state laws, the date of injury (which determines which maximum applies), pre-existing conditions, concurrent employment, waiting periods, cost of living adjustments, attorney fees, offsets from other benefits (Social Security Disability, unemployment, pensions), and specific case facts. State maximum weekly benefit amounts change annually - the values in this calculator represent recent data and may not reflect the current rate for your specific injury date. We recommend consulting with a qualified workers' compensation attorney or your state's workers' compensation board for an accurate determination of your benefits. All calculations run locally in your browser - no data is sent to any server.