How Much Workers' Comp Pays in Alabama
How Alabama calculates weekly workers' comp benefits, the current maximum, the waiting period and permanent disability.
Short answer: Temporary total disability is 66 2/3% of the worker's average weekly earnings during the 52 weeks before the injury, subject to the maximum and minimum in effect on the date of injury. Ala. Code § 25-5-68; Alabama Department of Workforce, Benefits and Claims Filing
| Weekly benefit rate | Temporary total disability is 66 2/3% of the worker's average weekly earnings during the 52 weeks before the injury, subject to the maximum and minimum in effect on the date of injury. If the worker's average weekly earnings are below the minimum, the worker receives 100% of average weekly earnings. |
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| Maximum weekly benefit | For injuries on or after July 1, 2026, the maximum weekly benefit is $1,219 and the minimum is $335. For injuries from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, the maximum was $1,172 and the minimum $322. Permanent partial disability benefits have a separate cap of $220 per week. |
| How long benefits last | The Workers' Compensation Division lists these limits: temporary total disability, unlimited; temporary partial disability, up to 300 weeks; permanent partial disability (body as a whole), up to 300 weeks; permanent disability, unlimited. Permanent partial disability for specific body parts (scheduled injuries) is paid for set numbers of weeks under the statute; those schedules are not listed here. |
| Waiting period | No wage benefits are paid for the first three days of disability; benefits begin on the fourth day. If the disability lasts 21 days, the first three days are paid with the first payment after the 21 days. |
| Permanent disability | Permanent partial disability is paid either from a schedule of weeks for specific body parts (for example, 200 weeks for loss of a leg, multiplied by the impairment rating) or, for injuries to the body as a whole, based on a 300-week period, and is capped at $220 per week. Permanent total disability, meaning the worker cannot perform their trade or obtain other reasonable gainful employment, is paid at 66 2/3% of the average weekly wage (up to the maximum) for as long as the disability lasts, with no limit on the amount or length of payment. |
Where to get help in Alabama
More Alabama workers' compensation
- Filing a Workers' Comp Claim in Alabama
- Workers' Comp Settlements in Alabama
- Retaliation for Filing Workers' Comp in Alabama
- Suing Over a Work Injury in Alabama
- Appealing a Denied Workers' Comp Claim in Alabama
- All Alabama workers' compensation rules
FAQ
How much does workers' comp pay in Alabama?
Temporary total disability is 66 2/3% of the worker's average weekly earnings during the 52 weeks before the injury, subject to the maximum and minimum in effect on the date of injury. If the worker's average weekly earnings are below the minimum, the worker receives 100% of average weekly earnings.
What is the maximum workers' comp benefit in Alabama?
For injuries on or after July 1, 2026, the maximum weekly benefit is $1,219 and the minimum is $335. For injuries from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, the maximum was $1,172 and the minimum $322. Permanent partial disability benefits have a separate cap of $220 per week.
How long can you receive workers' comp in Alabama?
The Workers' Compensation Division lists these limits: temporary total disability, unlimited; temporary partial disability, up to 300 weeks; permanent partial disability (body as a whole), up to 300 weeks; permanent disability, unlimited.
Is there a waiting period for workers' comp in Alabama?
No wage benefits are paid for the first three days of disability; benefits begin on the fourth day. If the disability lasts 21 days, the first three days are paid with the first payment after the 21 days.
How does permanent disability work under workers' comp in Alabama?
Permanent partial disability is paid either from a schedule of weeks for specific body parts (for example, 200 weeks for loss of a leg, multiplied by the impairment rating) or, for injuries to the body as a whole, based on a 300-week period, and is capped at $220 per week. Permanent total disability, meaning the worker cannot perform their trade or obtain other reasonable gainful employment, is paid at 66 2/3% of the average weekly wage (up to the maximum) for as long as the disability lasts, with no limit on the amount or length of payment.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.