Workers' Comp Calculator

Most states pay 66.67% (two-thirds) of your average weekly wage (AWW) as temporary total disability (TTD). A few states use different rates: Massachusetts and New Hampshire pay 60%, New Jersey, Oklahoma, and Texas pay 70%, and Connecticut, Rhode Island, Alaska, Iowa, Maine, and Michigan use 75-80% of after-tax wages. All states have weekly benefit maximums — ranging from $631 in Mississippi to $2,350 in Iowa.

No. Workers' compensation benefits are not subject to federal income tax. However, if you also receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), some SSDI benefits may become taxable if your workers' comp + SSDI total exceeds 80% of your pre-injury earnings. All states follow the federal exemption for state tax purposes.

The waiting period is the number of days after an injury before wage-replacement benefits begin (medical treatment is covered from day one). Most states have a 3-day or 7-day waiting period. If your disability exceeds the "retroactive period" (usually 14-21 days), the waiting period is paid retroactively.

Four states require employers to buy workers' comp exclusively from a state fund (no private insurers): Ohio (BWC), Washington (L&I), Wyoming (DWS), and North Dakota (WSI). This does not affect your benefits — it just means the state, rather than a private insurer, administers claims.

Texas is the only state where workers' comp is truly voluntary. Employers who opt out ("nonsubscribers") lose certain legal protections, and injured workers can sue them without the usual defenses. Oklahoma had an opt-out system starting in 2013, but it was ruled unconstitutional in 2016. In all other states, coverage is mandatory.

TTD (temporary total disability) is paid when you are completely unable to work during recovery — this is what the calculator estimates. TPD (temporary partial disability) pays partial benefits when you can do light-duty work but at reduced wages. PPD (permanent partial disability) compensates lasting impairment after reaching maximum medical improvement. PTD (permanent total disability) pays ongoing benefits when you can never return to work.

TTD benefits typically last until you can return to work or reach maximum medical improvement (MMI). Most states have no strict time limit on TTD, but some do (Georgia caps it at 400 weeks unless catastrophic). PPD benefits have scheduled durations based on the body part and impairment percentage. PTD benefits may last until retirement age or for life, depending on the state.

Yes, separately from wage replacement. Workers' comp covers all reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to the work injury — usually with no deductibles, copays, or coverage limits. This includes emergency visits, surgery, physical therapy, prescriptions, and medical equipment. You typically must use approved providers or obtain authorization.