Workers’ Comp Calculator (2026) — Estimate Your Weekly Benefits & Settlement Value

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How Workers’ Comp Benefits Are Calculated

Workers’ comp does not pay your full salary. It pays a percentage of your Average Weekly Wage (AWW) — the amount you actually earned, averaged over the 52 weeks before your injury.

Step 1 — Calculate your AWW:

AWW = Total gross wages (last 52 weeks) ÷ 52

For hourly workers:

AWW = Hourly rate × Average weekly hours

Step 2 — Apply your state’s benefit rate:

Weekly Benefit = AWW × 66.67%

Most states use 66.67% (two-thirds) of your AWW. Texas uses 70%. Michigan starts at 80% for the first two years.

Step 3 — Check your state’s cap: Every state sets a maximum weekly payment. If your calculated benefit exceeds the cap, you receive the cap — not your full two-thirds.

Real example: Annual salary: $52,000 AWW: $52,000 ÷ 52 = $1,000/week Weekly benefit: $1,000 × 66.67% = $666.70/week

If your state cap is $800, you receive $666.70. If your state cap is $600, you receive $600 — not $666.70.

This is why state selection matters in any workers’ comp calculator. The same injury, the same salary — completely different payments in California vs Georgia.

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How Much Does Workers’ Comp Pay Per Week?

Most injured workers receive between $400 and $1,200 per week depending on their wage and state.

2026 Weekly Benefit Caps — Key States:

State	Max Weekly Benefit	Benefit Rate
Illinois	$1,897/week	66.67% of AWW
California	$1,764/week	66.67% of AWW
Pennsylvania	$1,325/week	66.67% of AWW
Michigan	$1,114/week	80% AWW (first 2 yrs)
Florida	$1,197/week	66.67% of AWW
New York	$1,145/week	66.67% of AWW
Texas	$1,099/week	70% of AWW
North Carolina	$1,254/week	66.67% of AWW
Georgia	$800/week	66.67% of AWW
Ohio	$1,217/week	72% of AWW

High earners take note: If you earn $120,000/year, your AWW is $2,307 and your theoretical benefit is $1,538/week. But in Georgia, you are capped at $800. In Illinois, you receive the full $1,538. The difference over 6 months is over $43,000.

Is workers’ comp calculated on gross or net wages? Gross wages in most states — before taxes. A few states including Alaska calculate from your spendable (after-tax) wage. Our calculator applies your state’s specific method.

Does overtime count? In most states, yes. Regular overtime and shift differentials are included in your AWW. One-time bonuses are typically excluded. If your employer is calculating your AWW without overtime, push back — it is likely undercounting your benefit.

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Disability Types — TTD, TPD, PPD, PTD

This is the section that changes everything. Your disability classification — assigned by your doctor — determines your benefit rate, how long you receive payments, and ultimately your settlement value.

Insurance companies know these distinctions very well. Most injured workers do not. That changes right now.

Temporary Total Disability (TTD) You cannot work at all — temporarily. This is the most common initial classification after a workplace injury.

TTD Weekly Benefit = AWW × 66.67% (up to state cap)

You receive TTD until you return to work, reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI), or hit your state’s time limit. Florida caps TTD at 104 weeks. California has no fixed cap for most injuries.

Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) You can work, but at reduced hours or light duty — earning less than before. Workers’ comp compensates the wage gap.

TPD Benefit = (Pre-injury AWW − Current AWW) × 66.67%

Real example: Pre-injury wage: $1,000/week Light duty wage: $600/week TPD benefit: ($1,000 − $600) × 0.6667 = $266.68/week

You still work. You still get paid by your employer. Workers’ comp tops up the difference.

Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) Your injury is permanent. You have reached MMI but have lasting impairment. You can still work — but at reduced capacity.

A doctor assigns an impairment rating — a percentage representing how much function you have permanently lost. That rating, applied to your state’s PPD schedule, determines your payout.

PPD Value = Impairment Rating % × State PPD Weeks × Weekly Benefit Rate

Example: 15% impairment rating State PPD schedule: 300 weeks for full impairment Weekly benefit: $666.70 PPD value: 15% × 300 × $666.70 = $30,001

Permanent Total Disability (PTD) You cannot return to any meaningful work — permanently. PTD is the highest classification and provides lifetime benefits in most states. Fewer than 1% of workers’ comp cases reach PTD — but when they do, the lifetime value can exceed $1,000,000.

Why this matters for your claim: Insurance companies routinely push for lower classifications. TTD becomes TPD. PPD instead of PTD. Each downgrade means less money — potentially tens of thousands of dollars less. Knowing your classification and the financial difference gives you the leverage to push back.

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Workers’ Comp Settlement Calculator — Lump Sum vs Weekly Payments

Here is something the insurance company will not tell you: most workers’ comp cases settle. And a settlement is often — but not always — less than the full value of ongoing weekly benefits.

How workers’ comp settlements are calculated:

Your settlement has three components:

1. Unpaid benefit backlog Weeks already owed but unpaid × Weekly benefit rate

2. Permanent disability value Impairment rating × State PPD weeks × Weekly rate

3. Future medical costs Estimated ongoing treatment negotiated into the lump sum

Add these together and you have your gross settlement value. From this, subtract your attorney’s fee (typically 10–20%, capped by state law) to get your net payment.

Settlement example — back injury: AWW: $900/week → Weekly benefit: $600/week Impairment rating: 20% State PPD schedule: 300 weeks PPD value: 20% × 300 × $600 = $36,000 Future medical estimate: $12,000 Gross settlement range: $42,000 – $58,000

Lump sum vs weekly payments — which is better?

	Lump Sum	Weekly Payments
Payment	One time	Ongoing
Future medical	Included (buyout)	Covered separately
Flexibility	High	Low
Risk	You bear future cost risk	Insurer bears risk
SSDI offset impact	Can be structured to minimize	Full offset applies

The honest answer: Weekly payments are safer if your injury requires ongoing treatment. A lump sum is better if you are healthy enough that future treatment is unlikely, or if you want to invest/manage the money yourself. Never accept a lump sum that does not fully cover your realistic future medical costs.

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Average Workers’ Comp Settlement Amounts (2026)

These are real-world ranges based on negotiated settlements — not theoretical maximums.

Injury Type	Average Settlement Range
Soft tissue / back strain	$8,000 – $25,000
Herniated disc	$25,000 – $75,000
Knee injury requiring surgery	$30,000 – $80,000
Shoulder injury (rotator cuff)	$20,000 – $60,000
Ankle fracture	$15,000 – $40,000
Hand / wrist injury	$15,000 – $50,000
Traumatic brain injury	$100,000 – $500,000+
Spinal cord injury	$250,000 – $1,000,000+
Permanent total disability	$300,000 – lifetime benefits

Back injuries are the most common and most litigated. The spine is complex, treatment is ongoing, and insurance companies fight these aggressively. If your back injury requires surgery, your settlement potential increases significantly.

Brain injuries vary enormously based on severity and long-term impact on work capacity. Even a mild TBI with documented cognitive effects can support a six-figure settlement.

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Workers’ Comp by State — 2026 Rates and Rules

California The largest workers’ comp system in the US. TD rates range from $265 to $1,764/week in 2026. Permanent disability uses the AMA Guides with occupational adjustments — one of the most complex PD systems in the country. CA workers’ comp settlement calculator searches are high because navigating California’s PD rating system is genuinely difficult.

New York NYS uses a Schedule Loss of Use (SLU) system for extremity injuries — a fixed number of weeks per body part regardless of impairment percentage. Spinal and head injuries are non-scheduled with potentially unlimited duration. NWS workers’ comp payment calculator — 2026 maximum is $1,145/week.

Florida 66.67% of AWW capped at $1,197/week with a strict 104-week TTD limit. After 104 weeks, you transition to Impairment Income Benefits (IIB) — 2 weeks of benefits per 1% impairment rating. Florida workers’ comp calculator searches reflect this complexity.

Texas The only state where private employer workers’ comp is not mandatory — but most employers carry it. Texas pays 70% of AWW (higher than most states) capped at $1,099/week. Impairment Income Benefits equal 3 weeks per 1% impairment rating.

Pennsylvania PA pays 66.67% of AWW up to $1,325/week. PA workers’ comp calculator searches are high because PA has a complex offset system when workers receive Social Security disability simultaneously.

Michigan Michigan starts at 80% of after-tax AWW — one of the most generous initial rates in the country. After two years, the rate drops to 65%. The 2026 maximum is $1,114/week.

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Future Medical Buyout — The Number Nobody Tells You

A future medical buyout is when you agree to give up all future medical treatment paid by workers’ comp in exchange for a one-time payment. It closes your medical claim permanently.

This is often where injured workers lose the most money.

How to calculate your future medical buyout:

Buyout Value = Annual treatment cost × Expected years × Present value factor

A $6,000/year treatment plan over 15 years is not worth $90,000 today. Apply a 4–5% discount rate and the present value is approximately $62,000–$65,000. That is what you should demand — not less.

Workers’ comp future medical buyout calculator — what to estimate:

• Current annual out-of-pocket medical costs related to the injury
• Any surgeries your doctor has mentioned as possible future needs
• Physical therapy, medication, specialist visits projected over time
• Your age — younger workers have longer treatment windows and higher buyout values

The rule: Never accept a future medical buyout before your doctor has given you a written long-term treatment plan. Once you sign, the insurer owes you nothing — ever — for that injury’s medical care.

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Social Security and Workers’ Comp — The Offset

If you receive both workers’ comp and Social Security Disability (SSDI), be aware: the government reduces your SSDI when the two combined exceed 80% of your pre-disability earnings.

The formula:

80% Limit = Pre-disability monthly earnings × 80%
If (workers’ comp + SSDI) > 80% limit → SSDI is reduced by the excess

Example: Pre-disability earnings: $4,000/month 80% limit: $3,200/month Workers’ comp: $2,200/month + SSDI: $1,500/month = $3,700 combined Excess: $3,700 − $3,200 = $500 SSDI reduced to: $1,500 − $500 = $1,000/month

The fix: A workers’ comp attorney can often structure your lump sum settlement in a way that minimizes this offset — sometimes eliminating it entirely. This alone can be worth more than the attorney’s fee.

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Who Qualifies for Workers’ Compensation?

Most employees qualify automatically. But there are traps.

You qualify if:

• You are a W-2 employee — full-time, part-time, or seasonal
• The injury happened at work or while doing your job
• Your employer carries workers’ comp insurance (required in all 50 states for most businesses)

You may not qualify if:

• You are classified as an independent contractor (1099)
• Your injury involved intoxication or intentional self-harm
• You violated a known safety policy
• You are an agricultural or domestic worker (varies by state)

The contractor trap: Many employers misclassify employees as contractors specifically to avoid workers’ comp obligations. If you were told you are a 1099 worker but you follow the employer’s schedule, use their equipment, and work exclusively for them — you may legally be an employee. An attorney can establish your actual employment status and unlock your benefit eligibility.

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How to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim

Do this right. Mistakes here cost people their benefits.

Step 1 — Report the injury in writing — immediately Tell your employer the same day if possible. Put it in writing — email, text, or written form. Most states require notice within 30–90 days. Verbal notice is risky. Written notice is protected.

Step 2 — Get medical treatment See a doctor as soon as possible. Your employer or their insurer may direct you to a specific approved provider for the initial exam. Go. Document everything — every symptom, every limitation, every treatment.

Step 3 — File the official claim form Your employer must provide the state claim form (DWC-1 in California, C-3 in New York). Complete it fully. Submit it to your employer and their insurer. Keep a signed copy.

Step 4 — The insurer has 14–30 days to decide They may request medical records, a recorded statement, or an Independent Medical Examination (IME). You have the right to have an attorney present for any recorded statement.

Step 5 — Benefits begin or the claim is denied If accepted — TTD payments begin within days. If denied — you have the right to appeal. See below.

Do not miss your statute of limitations. Most states give you 1–3 years from the date of injury to file a formal claim. After that deadline, you lose the right to benefits permanently — even if your claim was valid.

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Workers’ Comp Claim Denied? Here Is What to Do

A denial is not final. Insurance companies deny valid claims every day — and most denials can be overturned.

Most common denial reasons:

• Injury reported too late
• Insurer says injury was not work-related
• Pre-existing condition blamed
• Insufficient medical documentation
• Employer disputes your account of the injury

How to appeal: File a formal appeal with your state’s workers’ compensation board or industrial commission. You typically have 30–90 days from the denial letter. At the appeal hearing, you present medical evidence, witness statements, and documentation to a workers’ comp judge.

One important fact: Workers’ comp attorneys work on contingency — you pay nothing unless you win. Represented claimants are significantly more likely to overturn denials and receive higher settlements than those who appeal alone. If your claim was denied, call an attorney before your appeal deadline — not after.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How is workers’ comp calculated? Your weekly benefit is approximately 66.67% of your Average Weekly Wage (AWW), subject to your state’s minimum and maximum weekly caps. AWW is your total gross earnings in the 52 weeks before the injury divided by 52. Settlement value adds your permanent disability rating, unpaid benefits, and future medical costs.

How much does workers’ comp pay per week? Most injured workers receive between $400 and $1,200 per week. The exact amount depends on your pre-injury wage and your state’s benefit cap. High earners often hit the state maximum — our calculator shows both your calculated benefit and whether it is capped.

Can I get a lump sum workers’ comp settlement? Yes. Most claims settle as a lump sum rather than continuing weekly payments. Settlement value is based on your impairment rating, remaining unpaid benefits, and future medical costs. Never settle before reaching MMI — your impairment rating cannot be accurately determined before that point.

Is workers’ comp calculated on gross or net wages? Gross wages in most states. A few states including Alaska use a spendable wage calculation. Our calculator applies your state’s correct method automatically.

How long does workers’ comp last? TTD benefits last until you return to work or reach MMI — often 3 to 24 months. PPD benefits are paid for a fixed number of weeks based on your impairment rating. PTD benefits are lifetime in most states. Florida caps TTD at 104 weeks regardless of MMI status.

What is Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)? MMI is the point your doctor determines your condition has stabilized. It does not mean you are fully healed — it means treatment will no longer significantly improve your condition. MMI triggers the transition from TTD to PPD assessment and is the starting point for most settlement negotiations.

Is workers’ comp taxable? Generally no — workers’ comp benefits are not taxable at the federal level or in most states. The exception is when workers’ comp reduces your SSDI through the offset — the offset amount may have different tax treatment. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.

Should I hire a workers’ comp attorney? For minor injuries with no disputes — probably not. For serious injuries, denied claims, permanent disability classifications, or settlement negotiations — yes. Workers’ comp attorneys take 10–20% of the settlement (capped by state law), and studies consistently show represented workers receive significantly higher settlements. Most offer free initial consultations.

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Related Calculators

• Personal Injury Calculator — If a third party caused your workplace injury, you may have both a workers’ comp claim and a civil lawsuit running simultaneously. Calculate the personal injury claim value separately.
• DUI Calculator — If your workplace injury involved a vehicle accident caused by a DUI driver, punitive damages may be available on top of workers’ comp.
• Salary Calculator — Verify your Average Weekly Wage calculation before filing. An incorrect AWW calculation by your employer or insurer directly reduces every benefit payment you receive.

Data Source

Workers’ compensation benefit calculations in this calculator use the standard AWW formula (total gross wages for 52 weeks prior to injury ÷ 52) as defined
in the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) Basic Manual and each state’s Workers’ Compensation Act.

TTD benefit rate: 66.67% of AWW — the federal benchmark rate used by NCCI and adopted by most states. State variations (Texas 70%, Iowa 80%) are
applied from each state’s Workers’ Compensation Commission official rate schedules.

2026 state maximum weekly benefit rates are sourced from individual state Workers’ Compensation Boards and Commissions, verified April 2026:
→ Florida: $1,358/week (DOIFS, effective Jan 1, 2026)
→ California: $1,620/week (DIR, 2026)
→ Illinois: $1,897/week (IWCC, 2026)
→ New York: $1,145/week (NYWCB, 2026)
→ Texas: $1,135/week (DWC, 2026)

PPD impairment rating calculations follow either the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment (6th Edition) — used by most states —
or each state’s own scheduled loss tables where applicable (New York, Illinois).

FICA offset: IRC Section 104(a)(1) exempts most workers’ comp benefits from federal income tax. The offset calculation applies where Social Security
disability benefits are reduced due to workers’ comp receipt, per SSA Publication No. 05-10018.

Results are estimates for informational purposes only. Actual benefits depend on employer insurance coverage, physician impairment ratings, claim
adjudication, and state-specific rules. Consult a licensed workers’ compensation attorney before accepting any settlement.