Georgia workers' comp: how much does it pay?

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

Georgia temporary total disability at a glance

For injuries on or after July 1, 2023, Georgia pays temporary total disability at two thirds of the average weekly wage, up to a maximum of $800.00 a week. The cap starts to limit the benefit at an average weekly wage of about $1,200.

Benefit ratetwo thirds of the average weekly wage
Maximum weekly benefit$800.00
How the maximum is setA fixed amount in statute, $800 for accidents on or after July 1, 2023, not indexed annually
Minimum weekly benefit$50 a week in the Board's summary of provisions
Applies to injurieson or after July 1, 2023
Waiting periodThe State Board says you are entitled to weekly income benefits if you are unable to work for more than 7 days, and if you miss more than 21 consecutive days you will be paid for the first week.

Run your own numbers with the Georgia rules →

Georgia 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 Georgia pays at different wages

Calculated from the rate, maximum and minimum above for an eligible worker with temporary total disability. Above about $1,200 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$800.00 (50% of wage)
$2,000 a week$800.00 (40% of wage)
$3,000 a week$800.00 (27% of wage)

How Georgia sets the benefit

Georgia's maximum is written into statute as a fixed dollar amount rather than indexed each year. The State Board states the weekly benefit as two thirds of the average weekly wage, but not more than $800 a week for an accident on or after July 1, 2023.

Because the cap is low relative to wages, it binds at an average weekly wage of about $1,200. The Board says the first check should be mailed within 21 days after the first day of missed work.

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 Georgia State Board of Workers' Compensation.

Frequently asked questions

How much does workers' comp pay in Georgia?

For injuries on or after July 1, 2023, Georgia pays temporary total disability at two thirds of the average weekly wage, up to a maximum of $800.00 a week. The cap starts to limit the benefit at an average weekly wage of about $1,200.

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

$800.00 a week for temporary total disability, for injuries on or after July 1, 2023. A fixed amount in statute, $800 for accidents on or after July 1, 2023, not indexed annually. 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 Georgia?

The State Board says you are entitled to weekly income benefits if you are unable to work for more than 7 days, and if you miss more than 21 consecutive days you will be paid for the first week.

Are Georgia 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

California · Florida · 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.