California · Workers comp · Updated 2026

California workers comp calculator, 66.67% formula

California caps the weekly workers comp benefit at $1619.15 with a minimum of $242.86. The calculator below uses the real California schedule to estimate TTD, TPD, and PPD lump-sum settlements.

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Real 2025 state caps and minimums. Computes TTD, TPD, and PPD lump-sum estimates. Updates as you type.

State

Pre-injury weekly wage ($)

Disability type

Weeks of disability so far: 26

Body part injured (for PPD lump-sum estimate)

Your workers comp estimate

$20,801 – $20,801

California · 66.67% of weekly wage

Weekly benefit: $800
Total indemnity (so far): $20,801
PPD lump-sum range: $0 – $0
After 20% attorney fee (typical WC): $16,641 – $16,641
STATE MAXIMUM WEEKLY: $1,619

Estimates only. Real workers comp settlements depend on your state's specific schedules, the insurer's impairment rating dispute, and your attorney's negotiation. Use this number as a starting point.

Above $25K in your estimated range?Talk to a personal injury attorney before accepting any offer. Most work on contingency — no upfront cost if you don't win.

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California workers comp at a glance

California workers compensation key figures (2025). Source: California Workers Compensation Board.
Maximum weekly benefit	$1619.15
Minimum weekly benefit	$242.86
Benefit formula	66.67% of average weekly wage
Max weeks (TTD)	104 weeks
Statute of limitations	1 year from injury or knowledge of work-related injury
Average settlement	~$62,000
Official source	California WC Board ↗

Last verified 2025-01-15. Workers comp rates adjust annually in most states; verify the current year's rate via the source link above.

California — what makes it different

104-week TTD cap is aggressive. Permanent disability cases moved to PD payments after 2 years.

Real example: how the California cap works

A worker earning $3238/week in California (above-average wage):

Raw formula: $3238 × 66.67% = $2158.97/week
California cap kicks in: $1619.15/week
Effective replacement rate: 50.0% of pre-injury wage (not 66.67%)

For a 26-week disability, that's $42,098 in total TTD benefits — substantially less than what 66.67% of full wage would pay.

If a third party contributed to the injury, the difference between full wage and capped benefit becomes part of a separate third-party personal injury claim.

Compare other states

California vs other states

Workers comp varies dramatically by state. Compare California's $1619.15 weekly cap and 66.67% formula against the other 11 priority states:

Texas

Max $1,135/wk · 70%

Florida

Max $1,295/wk · 66.67%

New York

Max $1,145/wk · 66.67%

Illinois

Max $1,898/wk · 66.67%

Pennsylvania

Max $1,273/wk · 66.67%

Ohio

Max $1,198/wk · 72%

Georgia

Max $800/wk · 66.67%

North Carolina

Max $1,330/wk · 66.67%

Michigan

Max $1,220/wk · 80%

New Jersey

Max $1,131/wk · 70%

Virginia

Max $1,410/wk · 66.67%

All 50 states with 2025 caps →

Above $25K in your estimated range?Talk to a personal injury attorney before accepting any offer. Most work on contingency — no upfront cost if you don't win.

Find attorneys →

Affiliate disclosure: ClaimCalc may receive a referral fee at no cost to you if you register with the partner directory. Full disclosure.

Q&A

Frequently asked questions

01 What is the maximum workers comp weekly benefit in California?

The maximum weekly workers comp benefit in California is $1619.15 (2025). The minimum is $242.86. California uses the 66.67% formula to calculate weekly benefits, capped at the maximum. Source: California Workers Compensation Board.

02 How is workers comp calculated in California?

California calculates workers comp at 66.67% of your average weekly wage, subject to the state's $1619.15 weekly maximum and $242.86 minimum. Temporary Total Disability (TTD) is capped at 104 weeks. 104-week TTD cap is aggressive. Permanent disability cases moved to PD payments after 2 years.

03 What is the statute of limitations for workers comp in California?

California: 1 year from injury or knowledge of work-related injury. Missing the deadline ends the claim with rare exceptions. File the claim or consult an attorney well before the deadline.

04 What is the average workers comp settlement in California?

The approximate average workers comp settlement in California is $62,000 (per NCCI and state board data, for lost-time claims). Surgical cases settle substantially higher. Use the calculator above with your specific wage and body part for a state-tuned estimate.

05 How is workers comp calculated?

Most states pay two-thirds (66.67%) of your pre-injury average weekly wage, capped at the state maximum. A few states use different formulas: Texas and Oklahoma pay 70%, New Jersey 70%, Connecticut and Rhode Island 75% (of after-tax), Iowa and Michigan 80% (of after-tax), Massachusetts and New Hampshire 60%. Every state sets an annual maximum that high earners hit quickly.

06 What is the average workers comp settlement?

The national average lost-time workers comp settlement is approximately $42,008 (NCCI 2021 data). But variance is huge — back surgeries settle at $80,000–$300,000, while soft-tissue strains settle at $15,000–$40,000. Your state matters significantly. Illinois average is ~$76,000; Mississippi ~$28,000.