Workers’ Comp · California
Workers’ Comp Benefits Calculator
Estimate temporary disability, permanent disability and retraining benefits at 2026 rates
Updated with 2026 benefit rates
Estimate what California workers’ compensation should pay you. Enter your weekly pay, time off work and disability rating. The calculator applies the 2026 benefit limits and shows how each payment is figured.
How temporary disability is calculated
Temporary disability (TD) replaces part of your wages while a doctor keeps you off work or your employer can’t accommodate your restrictions. It pays two-thirds of your average weekly earnings, within limits set each year (Labor Code 4653 and 4453). For injuries in 2026, TD is at least $264.61 and at most $1,764.11 a week. TD is not taxed.
The first payment is due within 14 days after your employer learns of the injury (Labor Code 4650). TD is generally limited to 104 weeks within five years of the injury, with up to 240 weeks for certain serious injuries. Learn more about temporary disability benefits.
How permanent disability is calculated
Permanent disability (PD) compensates you for lasting limits after you reach maximum medical improvement. A doctor’s report produces a rating; each percentage point is worth a set number of weeks of payments under Labor Code 4658, and the weekly amount is two-thirds of your pay, between $160 and $290 for injuries since 2014.
| Rating | Weeks of payments | At the $290 maximum |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | 30.25 | $8,773 |
| 20% | 75.5 | $21,895 |
| 30% | 131 | $37,990 |
| 50% | 271.25 | $78,663 |
| 70% | 433.25 | $125,643 |
See what your PD rating is worth for how ratings are calculated and challenged.
Life pension and total disability
If your rating is 70% or more, you also receive a life pension after your PD weeks end (Labor Code 4659). A 100% rating is permanent total disability, paid at your TD rate for life. Both receive yearly cost-of-living increases.
Our workers’ comp attorneys check your benefit rate, your rating and any settlement offer in a free consultation.
Job retraining benefits
If your employer does not offer you regular, modified or alternative work after your injury, you can receive a $6,000 supplemental job displacement voucher for school, certifications and some training costs (Labor Code 4658.7). You may then apply for a one-time $5,000 Return-to-Work Supplement within one year after receiving the voucher.
Frequently asked questions
Does the calculator include my future medical care?
No. Lifetime medical care is often the biggest part of a settlement, and its value depends on your treatment needs. A lawyer can estimate it before you accept any offer. Read should you accept a settlement offer.
What is apportionment?
Apportionment reduces your rating for disability caused by something other than your work injury, such as an older injury. It is often disputed, and a weak apportionment opinion can be challenged.
How much does a workers’ comp lawyer cost?
Consultations are free. Attorney fees in workers’ comp cases are approved by the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board and paid from your award, not out of your pocket.
Can I be fired for filing a workers’ comp claim?
No. Labor Code 132a prohibits discrimination against workers for filing a claim.
Related guides
Workers only. Never employers.
At Employees First Labor Law, we represent California workers only, never employers. Our team has recovered more than $200 million for workers, and we prepare every case as if it is going to trial. We have offices in Pasadena, Irvine, Long Beach, Pomona, Riverside, Bakersfield and Fresno, and we serve workers throughout California. Meet our team.
If your benefits were denied, delayed or underpaid, our workers’ comp team can fix your rate, challenge a low rating and value your case before you settle.
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This page provides general information about California law and is not legal advice for any specific situation. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.