How to use the workers' comp wage benefit calculator
Korea pays 70% of average wages while an injured worker is off. In the United States there is no single national program, so this tool follows the structure used by state workers' compensation systems for temporary total disability.
Legal basis — Workers' compensation is state law, not federal law. The most common formula pays two thirds of the injured worker's average weekly wage, subject to a weekly maximum and minimum that the state ties to its statewide average weekly wage and updates each year. Separate federal systems exist for narrow groups: the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act at 33 U.S.C. 908 also uses a two-thirds rate, and federal civilian employees are covered by FECA at 5 U.S.C. 8105. Figures reflect law as of September 2026.
Most states also apply a waiting period of roughly three to seven days before benefits begin, often paid retroactively if the disability runs past a longer threshold. Enter your own state's maximum, minimum and waiting period above, because these three numbers are what make results differ the most between states.
This calculator is for reference only and is not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney or your state workers' compensation board about your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Two thirds of the average weekly wage is the most common temporary total disability rate, but it is set by each state, not by federal law. Weekly maximums and minimums are tied to the state average weekly wage and are usually adjusted once a year.
Most states do not pay benefits for the first few days of disability, commonly three to seven days. Many of them pay those days retroactively once the disability lasts beyond a longer threshold, so check the rule in the state where the injury happened.