Workers Compensation Calculator - Estimate Your Weekly Benefits
Estimate your workers compensation weekly benefit.
Total Benefits
Most states pay ~2/3 of your weekly wage.
How to Use This Workers Comp Payout Calculator
- Select your state — Each state has different maximum weekly benefit caps and calculation rules.
- Enter your weekly wage — Input your gross weekly wage before the injury occurred.
- Enter weeks unable to work — Input the expected or actual number of weeks you will miss work.
- Select benefit type — Choose temporary total, temporary partial, or permanent partial disability.
- Click Calculate — See your estimated total workers compensation benefits.
Understanding Your Workers Comp Estimate
Workers compensation benefits replace a portion of your lost wages. Here is what affects your actual payout:
- State maximum caps: Every state sets a maximum weekly benefit. For example, California's maximum is $1,619/week (2026), while Texas caps at $1,000/week. If 2/3 of your wage exceeds the cap, you receive only the cap amount.
- Waiting periods: Most states require a 3-7 day waiting period before benefits begin. Some pay retroactively after 14-21 days of disability.
- Medical benefits: Workers comp covers all reasonable medical treatment for your workplace injury with no deductibles or co-pays, in addition to wage replacement.
- Settlement options: Many states allow lump sum settlements that close out your claim, including future medical benefits. The lump sum amount may be negotiable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much workers comp will I receive?
Most states pay 66.67% (two-thirds) of your average weekly wage, subject to a state maximum cap. For example, if you earn $1,500/week, your benefit would be $1,000/week — unless your state's maximum cap is lower. The average workers comp settlement for temporary disability ranges from $5,000 to $20,000 for typical claims.
How long do workers comp benefits last?
Temporary total disability benefits last until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI), typically up to 104 weeks in most states. If your injury results in permanent impairment, you may transition to permanent disability benefits, which can extend for hundreds of weeks or even a lifetime for total disability.
Can I sue my employer for a workplace injury?
In most cases, workers compensation is the exclusive remedy for workplace injuries — meaning you cannot sue your employer for negligence. However, exceptions exist if your employer intentionally caused your injury, failed to carry required workers comp insurance, or if a third party (not your employer or coworker) caused the accident.
What should I do if my workers comp claim is denied?
If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal through your state's workers compensation appeals process. Common reasons for denial include: dispute over whether the injury is work-related, missed deadlines, or insufficient medical evidence. An experienced workers comp attorney can help you navigate the appeals process and present your case at a hearing.
Can I choose my own doctor for workers comp?
Some states allow you to choose your own treating physician, while others require you to select from a managed care network or the employer's designated provider. In states like California, you can choose your own doctor after the first visit. In Texas, the employer typically chooses. Check your state's rules — having a doctor who understands your case is critical.
Types of Workers Compensation Benefits
Beyond wage replacement, workers comp provides: Medical benefits covering all reasonable treatment with no deductibles or co-pays. Temporary disability replacing wages while you recover. Permanent disability compensating for lasting impairment. Supplemental job displacement offering retraining vouchers if you cannot return to your previous job. Death benefits for dependents if a workplace injury is fatal. Understanding all benefit types ensures you do not leave compensation on the table.
Critical Deadlines for Filing Workers Comp
Every state has strict deadlines for reporting workplace injuries: California 30 days, Texas 30 days, Florida 30 days, New York 30 days, Illinois 45 days. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar your claim regardless of how severe the injury. Report your injury in writing to your employer immediately, even if you think it is minor — some conditions worsen over time.