How to use Workers' Comp Estimator
The workers' comp estimator calculates temporary disability (TD) benefit payments and a permanent disability settlement range from your pre-injury wages and injury classification. Results are estimates — actual benefits are set by state law and claim adjudication.
- Enter your average weekly wage before injury.
- Select the injury type: temporary total, temporary partial, permanent partial or permanent total.
- Enter your state (for maximum benefit lookup).
- For permanent disability, enter the impairment rating percentage.
- Review estimated weekly benefit and, for permanent disability, total settlement range.
Your data never leaves your device — 100% private processing.
How workers' comp benefits are calculated
Temporary total disability (TTD): typically 2/3 of the pre-injury average weekly wage, subject to state minimums and maximums. Most states cap at 100–150% of the state's average weekly wage. Temporary partial disability: 2/3 of the difference between pre-injury wages and current reduced wages. Permanent disability is more complex: a lump sum or structured payment based on an impairment rating, body part affected and state schedule.
| Weekly wage | TTD benefit (2/3 × wage) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| $600 | $400 | May be near state minimum |
| $900 | $600 | Typical lower-wage worker |
| $1,200 | $800 | Typical middle-wage worker |
| $1,800 | $1,200 | Approaching state cap in many states |
| $2,400 | $1,200–1,600 | State maximum applies above ~$1,800 |
Reporting and statute of limitations
Report injuries to your employer immediately — most states require written notice within 30–90 days. The statute of limitations for filing a workers' comp claim is typically 1–3 years from the date of injury or date you knew the injury was work-related. Delay can forfeit your right to benefits. Keep all medical records and document everything related to the injury and treatment.
Worked examples
$900 average weekly wage (TTD)
Inputs: ⅔ × $900
Result: ≈ $600/week (illustrative — state caps vary)
High earner above the state cap
Inputs: ⅔ × $2,400 = $1,600, capped
Result: ≈ $1,200/week if state max applies (varies)
Permanent partial disability (illustrative)
Inputs: 15% whole-person rating × state schedule
Result: Lump sum varies widely by state — consult counsel
Glossary
- TTD
- Temporary Total Disability — benefit paid when injury prevents all work.
- Impairment rating
- A physician's percentage score (0–100%) of permanent functional loss.
- AWW
- Average Weekly Wage — the 52-week average earnings used to set benefit amounts.
- MMI
- Maximum Medical Improvement — the point when your condition stabilises; triggers permanent disability assessment.
Related reading
Frequently Asked Questions
Why use Workers' Comp Estimator?
- Calculates your weekly TTD benefit using the 2/3 wage formula and checks it against your state's maximum
- Estimates a permanent disability settlement range from an impairment rating and the affected body part
- Shows how state benefit caps reduce payments when wages exceed the state average weekly wage
- Models temporary partial disability scenarios where you return to reduced hours or a lower-wage role
Common use cases
- Estimate weekly TTD payments for a warehouse worker injured on shift and placed on full work restriction
- Project a permanent partial disability settlement for a tradesperson with a 15% whole-person impairment rating
- Calculate how long TTD benefits last relative to the expected medical recovery timeline
- Compare benefit amounts for the same injury across two states when jurisdiction is in question
- Understand the income gap between workers' comp TTD and pre-injury wages for household budgeting
Get weekly tool tips & updates
New tools, power-user tips, and productivity hacks — delivered free every Friday.
No spam, ever. Unsubscribe with one click.
Related Insurance
Disability / Income Protection Calculator
Calculate how much disability insurance coverage you need. Enter monthly income, expenses, and existing coverage to find your income protection gap.
Personal Injury Settlement Estimator
Estimate your personal injury settlement value. Enter medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering multiplier, and liability percentage for a settlement range.
Term Life (DIME) Calculator
Calculate how much life insurance you need using the DIME method. Enter your debt, income, mortgage, and education costs to find the right coverage amount.
Home / Renters Coverage Calculator
Estimate how much home or renters insurance coverage you need. Calculate dwelling replacement cost, personal property value, and liability coverage
Alimony / Spousal Support Estimator
Estimate alimony or spousal support payments. Enter both spouses' incomes, marriage length, and state guidelines to get a spousal support payment range.
Life Insurance Calculator
Calculate how much life insurance coverage you need using the DIME method. Accounts for income, mortgage, debts, and children's education.
Explore all Insurance.