If you were injured on the job, knowing the maximum weekly benefit in your state tells you the upper limit of what you can receive while you recover. Workers' compensation maximum weekly benefits vary widely by state, from under $800 in Georgia to over $2,300 in Washington. This guide compiles the current 2025 caps, explains how benefits are calculated, and walks through what to do if you think you are entitled to more than you are receiving.
What Is the Workers' Comp Maximum Weekly Benefit?
Workers' compensation replaces a portion of your lost wages when a work injury prevents you from doing your job. Most states pay two-thirds (approximately 66.67%) of your pre-injury average weekly wage, but that amount is capped at a maximum weekly benefit tied to your state's average wages.
The cap exists so the system does not pay higher-income workers benefits that would actually exceed what lower-income workers earn. States recalculate the maximum annually, usually tying it to the statewide average weekly wage (SAWW).
Your actual weekly benefit depends on:
- Your average weekly wage before the injury (calculated over the 52 weeks prior)
- Your state's benefit percentage (most states use 66.67%, some use 70% to 80%)
- Your state's current maximum weekly cap
If two-thirds of your wage exceeds the cap, you receive the cap, not the full two-thirds amount.
Workers' Compensation Maximum Weekly Benefits by State (2025)
The table below shows the maximum temporary total disability (TTD) weekly benefit for each state as of the most recent effective date in 2025. Many states update their caps on July 1 or January 1 each year.
| State | Max Weekly Benefit (2025) | Effective Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $1,172 | 07/01/2025 | 100% of SAWW |
| Alaska | $1,627 | 01/01/2026 | 80% of spendable weekly wage |
| Arizona | Approx. $908/wk | 01/01/2025 | Based on $5,906.55/mo max; converted from monthly |
| Arkansas | $1,028 | 01/01/2025 | 85% of SAWW |
| California | $1,680.29 | 01/01/2025 | Adjusted annually via SAWW formula |
| Colorado | $1,396.85 | 07/01/2025 | 91% of SAWW |
| Connecticut | Approx. $1,780 | 10/01/2025 | 75% of AWW after taxes; max tied to SAWW |
| Delaware | Approx. $1,200 | 01/01/2025 | 66.67% of SAWW |
| Florida | $1,295 | 01/01/2025 | 100% of SAWW |
| Georgia | $800 | 07/01/2025 | Statutory cap; not tied to SAWW |
| Hawaii | Approx. $1,200 | 01/01/2025 | 100% of SAWW |
| Idaho | Approx. $850 | 01/01/2025 | 90% of SAWW for first 52 weeks |
| Illinois | $1,280.84 | 07/01/2025 | 133.33% of SAWW |
| Indiana | Approx. $840 | 01/01/2025 | Statutory max adjusted annually |
| Iowa | $1,644.97 | 07/01/2025 | Greater of SAWW or actual wage |
| Kansas | Approx. $920 | 07/01/2025 | 75% of SAWW |
| Kentucky | Approx. $1,200 | 01/01/2025 | 100% of SAWW |
| Louisiana | Approx. $750 | 01/01/2025 | 66.67% of SAWW |
| Maine | Approx. $1,000 | 01/01/2025 | 90% of SAWW |
| Maryland | Approx. $1,200 | 01/01/2025 | 100% of SAWW |
| Massachusetts | $1,922.48 | 10/01/2025 | 100% of SAWW; reviewed annually |
| Michigan | $1,164 | 01/01/2025 | 80% of AWW after taxes |
| Minnesota | $1,536.84 | 10/01/2025 | 102% of SAWW |
| Mississippi | Approx. $750 | 01/01/2025 | 66.67% of SAWW |
| Missouri | Approx. $1,200 | 07/01/2025 | 105% of SAWW |
| Montana | Approx. $950 | 01/01/2025 | 100% of SAWW |
| Nebraska | $1,130 | 01/01/2025 | 100% of SAWW |
| Nevada | Approx. $1,100 | 01/01/2025 | 66.67% of SAWW |
| New Hampshire | Approx. $1,800 | 01/01/2025 | 60% of AWW; tied to higher base wage |
| New Jersey | $1,159 | 01/01/2025 | 70% of AWW, capped at 75% of SAWW |
| New Mexico | Approx. $1,000 | 01/01/2025 | 100% of SAWW |
| New York | $1,222.42 | 07/01/2025 | 2/3 of SAWW; higher cap for severe injuries |
| North Carolina | $1,380 | 01/01/2025 | 100% of SAWW |
| North Dakota | Approx. $1,100 | 01/01/2025 | 100% of SAWW |
| Ohio | $1,231 | 01/01/2025 | Varies if receiving Social Security retirement |
| Oklahoma | $1,083.46 | 01/01/2025 | 100% of SAWW |
| Oregon | Approx. $1,500 | 01/07/2025 | 100% of SAWW |
| Pennsylvania | $1,347 | 01/01/2025 | Equal to SAWW |
| Rhode Island | Approx. $1,400 | 01/01/2025 | 75% of SAWW |
| South Carolina | Approx. $1,000 | 01/01/2025 | 100% of SAWW |
| South Dakota | Approx. $900 | 01/01/2025 | 100% of SAWW |
| Tennessee | Approx. $1,000 | 01/01/2025 | 100% of SAWW |
| Texas | $1,219 | 10/01/2024 | Equal to SAWW; reviewed annually Oct 1 |
| Utah | Approx. $1,000 | 01/01/2025 | 100% of SAWW |
| Vermont | Approx. $1,600 | 01/01/2025 | 150% of SAWW; includes dependent supplements |
| Virginia | $1,463.10 | 07/01/2025 | 100% of SAWW |
| Washington | $2,337.64 | 07/01/2025 | 120% of SAWW; highest in U.S. |
| West Virginia | Approx. $1,100 | 01/01/2025 | 66.67% of SAWW |
| Wisconsin | $1,326 | 01/01/2025 | 100% of SAWW |
| Wyoming | Approx. $1,000 | 01/01/2025 | 100% of SAWW |
States marked "approximately" use SAWW-based formulas; the exact figure depends on the most recently published SAWW. Contact your state workers' compensation agency for the precise current cap.
How Your Weekly Benefit Is Actually Calculated
Step 1: Determine Your Average Weekly Wage (AWW)
Add up your gross earnings (before taxes, including overtime) for the 52 weeks before your injury, then divide by 52. That is your AWW.
Example: You earned $62,400 in the prior year. $62,400 divided by 52 = $1,200 AWW.
Step 2: Apply Your State's Benefit Percentage
Most states pay 66.67% of AWW. A few states use different percentages:
| Benefit Percentage | States Using This Rate |
|---|---|
| 80% of spendable AWW | Alaska, Michigan |
| 75% of AWW after taxes | Connecticut |
| 70% of AWW | New Jersey, Oklahoma |
| 66.67% of AWW | Most states (AL, AR, CA, FL, TX, and others) |
| 60% of AWW | Massachusetts, New Hampshire |
Using the example above: $1,200 AWW x 66.67% = $800 weekly benefit.
Step 3: Check Against the State Maximum
If your calculated benefit is above the state cap, you receive the cap instead.
Example: Same worker in Pennsylvania in 2025. $800 is below the $1,347 cap, so they receive $800/week. If their AWW were $2,500, the calculated benefit would be $1,667, but they would receive only the $1,347 cap.
States With the Highest and Lowest Maximums
Top 5 Highest Maximum Weekly Benefits (2025)
| State | Max Weekly Benefit |
|---|---|
| Washington | $2,337.64 |
| Massachusetts | $1,922.48 |
| Iowa | $1,644.97 |
| California | $1,680.29 |
| Virginia | $1,463.10 |
Top 5 Lowest Maximum Weekly Benefits (2025)
| State | Max Weekly Benefit |
|---|---|
| Georgia | $800 |
| Louisiana | Approx. $750 |
| Mississippi | Approx. $750 |
| Arkansas | $1,028 |
| Oklahoma | $1,083.46 |
Georgia stands out because its $800/week cap is a statutory fixed amount rather than a formula tied to wage growth, which means it has not kept pace with rising wages the way most other states have.
Types of Workers' Comp Benefits and Their Caps
The maximum weekly benefit discussed above applies to temporary total disability (TTD), which is the most common type. But workers' compensation includes several benefit types, each with its own cap in many states.
Temporary Total Disability (TTD)
You cannot work at all due to your injury. Most states pay 66.67% of AWW, capped at the state maximum.
Temporary Partial Disability (TPD)
You can work light duty but earn less than before. Most states pay 66.67% of the difference between your pre-injury and current wages.
Permanent Total Disability (PTD)
Your injury permanently prevents you from working. Many states use the same maximum as TTD; a few add supplemental benefits.
Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)
You recover but are left with a lasting impairment. Benefits are calculated using a schedule that assigns values to specific body parts. These are often subject to separate caps and are paid as a lump sum or for a set number of weeks.
Death Benefits
Paid to dependents if a worker dies from a work injury. Most states pay 66.67% of the deceased worker's AWW to surviving spouses and dependents, also subject to the state maximum.
How to Apply for Workers' Compensation
Workers' compensation is filed through your employer's insurance carrier, not through a government benefits portal. The process is similar across most states.
Step 1: Report the Injury to Your Employer
Notify your employer in writing as soon as possible. Most states have reporting deadlines ranging from 30 to 90 days from the injury date. Missing this deadline can disqualify your claim.
Step 2: Seek Medical Treatment
Go to a doctor approved by your employer or its insurance carrier. In most states, the employer has the right to direct your initial medical care. Keep all medical records and documents.
Step 3: File the Claim
Your employer should file a claim with its insurer after you report the injury. In many states, you can also file directly with the state workers' compensation agency if your employer fails to act. Filing deadlines (statutes of limitation) range from 1 to 3 years in most states.
Step 4: Receive a Decision
The insurer reviews your claim and either approves, denies, or requests more information. If approved, you begin receiving weekly benefits and medical coverage.
Step 5: If Denied, Appeal
You have the right to appeal a denial through your state's workers' compensation board or commission. Appeals typically require a hearing before an administrative law judge. Many injured workers hire a workers' comp attorney at this stage, as most attorneys work on contingency (no upfront cost).
What Happens When Your Benefit Is Less Than the Maximum
If your calculated benefit (66.67% of your AWW) is below the state maximum, you simply receive your calculated amount. The state cap only matters for higher earners.
Example in Florida (2025 max: $1,295/week):
- Worker earning $40,000/year: AWW = $769. Benefit = $513/week (below cap, receives full calculation)
- Worker earning $120,000/year: AWW = $2,308. Benefit would be $1,539 but is capped at $1,295/week
When Workers' Comp Interacts With Other Benefits
Workers' compensation may reduce or be reduced by other benefits:
Social Security Disability (SSDI): The combined amount of workers' comp and SSDI cannot exceed 80% of your pre-injury average current earnings. If it does, SSDI is reduced. Ohio specifically lists lower maximum weekly rates for workers already receiving Social Security retirement.
Medicaid: Workers' comp payments count as income for Medicaid eligibility purposes. If your benefit pushes you above the income limit, your Medicaid coverage may be affected.
SNAP: Workers' comp counts as unearned income for SNAP calculations. You may receive less SNAP assistance while receiving workers' comp.
If you are dealing with a work injury and are unsure which other programs you still qualify for, check your eligibility through the Benefits Navigator screener.
Common Reasons Claims Are Denied
- Injury was not reported within the required time window
- The injury is disputed as not work-related
- Pre-existing condition complications
- Missed deadlines for filing the claim
- No medical documentation supporting the injury
- Injury occurred while worker was violating company policy or under the influence
If your claim is denied, you should request a copy of the denial in writing and consult a workers' compensation attorney before accepting the decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is workers' comp maximum benefit calculated?
Most states multiply your average weekly wage by 66.67% and cap the result at the statewide maximum weekly benefit. The maximum is typically set at 100% of the state average weekly wage (SAWW), though some states use 85%, 120%, or other percentages.
Which state has the highest workers' comp maximum benefit?
Washington State has the highest maximum weekly workers' comp benefit in the country at $2,337.64 per week as of July 1, 2025. That figure equals 120% of the statewide average weekly wage.
Which state has the lowest workers' comp maximum benefit?
Georgia has one of the lowest caps in the nation, with a statutory maximum of $800 per week in 2025. Unlike most states, Georgia's cap is set by statute rather than a formula tied to wage growth.
Does workers' comp pay 100% of my salary?
No. Workers' compensation replaces a portion of lost wages, typically around 60% to 80% of your pre-injury take-home pay depending on your state's formula and tax treatment. It is intentionally below full salary to discourage workers from staying off the job longer than necessary.
How long can I receive workers' comp benefits?
Temporary total disability benefits last until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) or return to work. Most states cap TTD at a certain number of weeks or years, commonly 104 to 500 weeks. Permanent total disability in some states provides lifetime benefits.
Can my employer fire me while I am on workers' comp?
Employers cannot fire you solely because you filed a workers' comp claim. Most states prohibit retaliation against injured workers. However, employers can lay off workers for unrelated business reasons even during a claim. Speak to an employment attorney if you suspect retaliation.
What if my injury is my fault?
Workers' compensation is a no-fault system. You do not need to prove your employer was negligent. With limited exceptions (intentional self-injury, injuries from intoxication), you are entitled to benefits regardless of who caused the injury.
How do I find my state's exact current maximum?
Each state's workers' compensation agency publishes the current maximum. The Social Security Administration also maintains a chart of all states' maximum workers' comp benefits at ssa.gov. For the most authoritative number, go directly to your state agency's website.
Do I need a lawyer to file a workers' comp claim?
Not for a straightforward claim. You can file directly through your employer's insurer. An attorney becomes more valuable if your claim is denied, your employer disputes the injury, you have a serious permanent disability, or you need to negotiate a settlement.
Can I receive workers' comp and SNAP or Medicaid at the same time?
Potentially, yes. Workers' comp benefits count as income, so your benefit amounts for SNAP or Medicaid will be calculated with that income included. Depending on your household size and total income, you may still qualify. Use the free screener at Benefits Navigator to check your current eligibility across multiple programs.
