California workers' comp: how much does it pay?

Temporary total disability rate, weekly maximum and waiting period for California, read from the state's own published figures.

California temporary total disability at a glance

For injuries from January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026, California pays temporary total disability at two thirds of average weekly earnings, up to a maximum of $1,764.11 a week and a minimum of $264.61 a week. The cap starts to limit the benefit at an average weekly wage of about $2,646.

Benefit ratetwo thirds of average weekly earnings
Maximum weekly benefit$1,764.11
Minimum weekly benefit$264.61
Applies to injuriesfrom January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026
Waiting periodCalifornia's Division of Workers' Compensation says temporary disability payments begin when your doctor says you can't do your usual work for more than three days, or you are hospitalized overnight.

Run your own numbers with the California rules →

California temporary total disability benefits: the same figures and limitations listed in the text.
A visual summary of the examples below. The text, applicable periods, sources and limitations on this page govern.

What California pays at different wages

Calculated from the rate, maximum and minimum above for an eligible worker with temporary total disability. Above about $2,646 a week, every extra dollar of wage adds nothing to the benefit.

$500 a week$333.33 (67% of wage)
$800 a week$533.33 (67% of wage)
$1,200 a week$800.00 (67% of wage)
$1,600 a week$1,066.67 (67% of wage)
$2,000 a week$1,333.33 (67% of wage)
$3,000 a week$1,764.11 (59% of wage)

How California sets the benefit

California indexes its temporary disability minimum and maximum to the state average weekly wage each January 1. For a 2026 date of injury the Division's benefit table pays two thirds of average weekly earnings between $396.93 and $2,646.17, a flat $264.61 below that range, and $1,764.11 above it.

A claim investigation can delay the first payment; the Division notes that a delay is usually not longer than 90 days.

These figures are for temporary total disability only. Partial, permanent and death benefits use different rules and caps, and eligibility, the average weekly wage calculation and the injury date all have to be confirmed with the claims administrator or the California Division of Workers' Compensation.

Frequently asked questions

How much does workers' comp pay in California?

For injuries from January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026, California pays temporary total disability at two thirds of average weekly earnings, up to a maximum of $1,764.11 a week and a minimum of $264.61 a week. The cap starts to limit the benefit at an average weekly wage of about $2,646.

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

$1,764.11 a week for temporary total disability, for injuries from January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026. The maximum that applies is the one in force on your date of injury, not today.

Is there a waiting period for workers' comp in California?

California's Division of Workers' Compensation says temporary disability payments begin when your doctor says you can't do your usual work for more than three days, or you are hospitalized overnight.

Are California workers' comp benefits taxed?

Generally not by the federal government: IRS Publication 525 says workers' compensation for an occupational sickness or injury is not included in income, with a narrow exception for amounts treated as a pension based on years of service.

Workers' comp in other states

Florida · Georgia · Illinois · Michigan · Missouri · New Jersey · New York · North Carolina · Ohio · Pennsylvania · Texas · Virginia

Compare all states side by side · Workers' comp benefit calculator

Sources & further reading

Figures read from the official sources below and checked: October 20, 2026. Worked examples are our calculations, not benefit awards.