Workers' Comp Temporary Disability Calculator
Hurt at work and unable to do your job? Estimate your weekly temporary disability check and the total for your time off.
California workers' comp pays temporary disability at two-thirds of your average weekly wage. For injuries in 2026, the rate is at least $264.61 and at most $1,764.11 a week, so earnings above $2,646.17 a week don't raise it. The first 3 days are unpaid unless you're off more than 14 days or hospitalized, and most injuries are limited to 104 weeks of payments.
Enter your average weekly wage before the injury (or your hourly rate and usual hours) and how many days you expect to be off work.
Temporary Disability Calculator
Your Weekly Temporary Disability Rate
Total for Time Off
Every Two Weeks
Paid Days
How this is calculated
Weekly rate = ⅔ × average weekly wage (Labor Code 4653), kept between the minimum and maximum for the year of injury. DWC raises both each January 1 by the change in the state average weekly wage (Labor Code 4453):
| Year of injury | Minimum weekly rate | Maximum weekly rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $264.61 | $1,764.11 |
| 2025 | $252.03 | $1,680.29 |
In 2026, average weekly earnings below $396.92 get the minimum rate, and earnings above $2,646.17 get the maximum. The daily rate is the weekly rate divided by 7, and the total counts calendar days off.
Waiting period (Labor Code 4652): the first 3 days aren't paid unless the disability lasts more than 14 days or you're hospitalized as an inpatient. Limit (Labor Code 4656): 104 weeks of payments within 5 years of the injury for most injuries. Payments are due every 14 days.
This calculator covers temporary total disability, when you can't work at all. If you go back to light duty at lower pay, temporary partial disability pays based on the wages you lose. Once your condition stops improving, any permanent disability is paid separately; see the permanent disability estimator.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is temporary disability in California?
Two-thirds of your average weekly wage before the injury, subject to a minimum and maximum. For injuries in 2026, the weekly rate is at least $264.61 and at most $1,764.11. Someone who earned $1,200.00 a week gets $800.00 a week.
Is there a waiting period for workers' comp in California?
Yes. The first 3 days you're off work aren't paid unless the disability lasts more than 14 days or you're admitted to a hospital as an inpatient. If either happens, you're paid for those first 3 days too.
How long can I get temporary disability?
For most injuries on or after January 1, 2008, up to 104 weeks of payments within 5 years of the injury date. Some serious conditions, such as amputations, severe burns, HIV, hepatitis and chronic lung disease, allow up to 240 weeks. Payments stop sooner if your doctor says you can return to work or your condition becomes permanent and stationary.
Is workers' comp temporary disability taxable?
No. Workers' compensation benefits aren't subject to federal or California income tax, which is one reason two-thirds of your wage can replace more of your take-home pay than it sounds.
Why did my maximum change this year?
The minimum and maximum rise each January 1 with the state average weekly wage. For 2026 injuries DWC raised the maximum from $1,680.29 to $1,764.11 and the minimum from $252.03 to $264.61. The rate that applies is the one for the year you were injured.
This tool provides an educational estimate only and is not legal advice. Your claims administrator calculates your actual average weekly wage, which can include earnings from more than one job. For help, contact a DWC Information & Assistance officer or a workers' compensation attorney.