Workers Compensation Calculator

About the Workers Compensation Calculator

Workers' compensation is insurance that employers carry to pay benefits to employees injured at work or made ill by their job. In return, employees generally cannot sue their employer for the injury. Besides paying medical bills, workers' comp replaces part of the wages lost while you recover. The most common benefit, temporary total disability, pays a share of your usual wage while you cannot work at all; temporary partial disability pays part of the difference when you can work but earn less.

This workers compensation calculator estimates those wage-loss benefits. Enter your average weekly wage before the injury, the benefit rate, your state's maximum and minimum weekly benefit, the weeks off work and the waiting period rules. It gives the weekly benefit, the total for your time off and whether the waiting period is paid.

How to Use the Workers Compensation Calculator

Choose temporary total or temporary partial disability.

Enter your average weekly wage before the injury and, for partial disability, your current weekly earnings.

Enter the benefit rate, the state maximum and minimum weekly benefit, the weeks off work, the waiting period and when it is paid retroactively.

The Formulas

  total disability   = rate × average weekly wage, between the state min and max
  partial disability = rate × (pre-injury wage − current wage), up to the max
  unpaid days        = waiting period, unless off longer than the retroactive threshold
  paid weeks         = (days off − unpaid days) ÷ 7
  total benefit      = weekly benefit × paid weeks

Step-by-Step Examples

Temporary total: 1,200 average weekly wage, 66.67% rate, 1,100 maximum, 10 weeks off.

  weekly    1,200 × 66.67% = 800.04 (below the 1,100 maximum)
  waiting   off 70 days, more than 14, so the 7 waiting days are paid
  total     10 weeks × 800.04 = 8,000.40

Temporary partial: earning 600 a week instead of 1,200.

  weekly    (1,200 − 600) × 66.67% = 400.02

Average Weekly Wage

Benefits are based on your average weekly wage, usually calculated from your earnings over a set period before the injury, often the previous 13 or 52 weeks. Some states include overtime, tips, bonuses and the value of benefits such as meals or housing. If you worked for more than one employer, some states combine the wages. The insurer's figure is worth checking, because an error carries through every payment.

State Maximums and Minimums

Every state sets a maximum weekly benefit, usually tied to the statewide average weekly wage and updated each year. Higher earners often hit the cap and receive less than two-thirds of their pay. Many states also set a minimum weekly benefit for low-wage workers. Look up your state's figures for the year of your injury and enter them for an accurate estimate.

The Waiting Period

Most states do not pay wage-loss benefits for the first few days of disability, typically three to seven. If the disability lasts longer than a set number of days, often 14 to 21, the waiting period is paid retroactively. Short absences may therefore receive nothing for the first days, while longer ones are paid in full.

Taxes and Other Benefits

In the US, workers' comp wage-loss benefits are generally not taxable for federal income tax. If you also receive Social Security disability benefits, they may be reduced under the offset rules. Workers' comp may also pay for permanent impairment, vocational rehabilitation, mileage to medical appointments and death benefits for dependants, none of which are included in this estimate.

Returning to Work

When your doctor clears you for light duty, your employer may offer modified work at lower pay. Temporary partial disability benefits then usually pay two-thirds of the difference between your pre-injury wage and what you now earn, up to the state maximum. Turning down suitable light duty can affect your benefits, so discuss any offer with your doctor and, if necessary, a workers' comp attorney.

Permanent Disability

If an injury leaves lasting impairment, many states pay permanent partial or permanent total disability benefits once your condition stops improving. These are usually based on an impairment rating and a schedule of weeks for each body part, and can be paid weekly or settled as a lump sum. This calculator covers only temporary benefits.

Reporting and Deadlines

Report a work injury to your employer as soon as possible, in writing if you can. States set deadlines for reporting injuries and filing claims, and missing them can cost you benefits. Keep copies of medical records, work restrictions and correspondence with the insurer.

Disputes

If the insurer denies a claim or pays less than you expect, you can usually ask for a review or hearing before the state workers' comp board. Many attorneys take these cases on a contingency fee capped by state law.

Federal Workers

Federal employees are covered by the Federal Employees' Compensation Act rather than state systems, with different benefit rates, including higher rates for workers with dependants, and claims go to the Department of Labor.

Understanding Your Result

The headline gives the weekly benefit.

The working line shows how it was calculated and any cap.

The total line gives the benefit for your time off.

The waiting period line shows whether the first days are paid.

When Should You Use This Calculator?

Use it after a work injury to estimate your income while off work.

Use it to check the benefit an insurer has offered.

Use it to plan a household budget during recovery.

Common Mistakes

Assuming full pay. Benefits are usually two-thirds, up to a cap.

Ignoring the waiting period. The first days may be unpaid.

Using the wrong wage. Check how your average weekly wage was worked out.

Missing deadlines. Report injuries and file claims promptly.