Workers' Compensation Calculator
Calculate your total workers' compensation benefit based on your weekly wage, degree of disability, and duration. Helpful for injured workers estimating income replacement during recovery.
About this calculator
Workers' compensation replaces a portion of wages lost when an employee is injured on the job and temporarily or permanently disabled. The standard benefit formula is: Total Benefit = weeklyWage × 0.66 × (disabilityPercent / 100) × weeksDisabled. The 0.66 factor (approximately two-thirds) is the federally common wage replacement rate, though some states use 60%–70%. Disability percentage represents the degree of impairment — 100% means total disability, while partial disabilities such as 50% reflect reduced work capacity. Multiplying by weeks disabled gives total compensation for the covered period. Most states cap weekly benefits at a maximum dollar amount tied to the state average weekly wage, so actual payouts may be lower than this formula suggests for high earners. The formula excludes medical cost reimbursement, which is a separate component of workers' comp coverage.
How to use
Example: An injured warehouse worker earns $900 per week, has a 75% disability rating, and is expected to be disabled for 26 weeks. Step 1: Apply wage replacement — $900 × 0.66 = $594/week benefit rate. Step 2: Apply disability percentage — $594 × (75 / 100) = $445.50/week. Step 3: Multiply by duration — $445.50 × 26 weeks = $11,583 total estimated benefit. Check your state's maximum weekly benefit cap, as it may reduce the per-week amount.
Frequently asked questions
How is workers' compensation calculated for a partial disability?
Partial disability benefits are calculated by applying both the standard wage replacement rate (typically 66.67%) and the disability percentage to your average weekly wage. For example, a 50% partial disability means you receive two-thirds of your wage multiplied by 0.50. States classify partial disabilities as either temporary partial — where you can still work at reduced capacity — or permanent partial, which may involve a scheduled benefit for specific body parts. Scheduled injuries like loss of a finger or hearing loss have fixed benefit durations defined in each state's workers' comp statute, regardless of actual wage loss.
What is the difference between temporary and permanent disability in a workers' compensation claim?
Temporary disability benefits cover the period while you recover and are expected to return to work. Temporary total disability (TTD) applies when you cannot work at all during recovery; temporary partial disability (TPD) applies when you can work but at reduced hours or pay. Permanent disability benefits apply once a doctor determines your condition has reached 'maximum medical improvement' and you will not fully recover. Permanent total disability may provide lifetime benefits, while permanent partial disability is typically paid as a lump sum or scheduled weekly payments based on your impairment rating.
Can my employer reduce or terminate my workers' compensation benefits?
Yes, an employer or insurer can seek to modify or terminate benefits under specific circumstances. If a treating physician clears you to return to work — even light-duty work — and your employer offers a suitable position, benefits can be reduced or stopped. Benefits may also end if you reach maximum medical improvement, refuse reasonable medical treatment, or the benefit period defined by your state expires. Disputes are resolved through your state's workers' compensation board or industrial commission. If you believe benefits were wrongly terminated, you have the right to request a hearing and should consider consulting a workers' comp attorney.