How Much Workers' Comp Pays in Alaska
How Alaska calculates weekly workers' comp benefits, the current maximum, the waiting period and permanent disability.
Short answer: Temporary total disability pays 80% of the worker's spendable weekly wages (take-home pay after taxes, based on gross weekly earnings, marital status and dependents) while the disability continues, but not after the date of medical stability. AS 23.30.185
| Weekly benefit rate | Temporary total disability pays 80% of the worker's spendable weekly wages (take-home pay after taxes, based on gross weekly earnings, marital status and dependents) while the disability continues, but not after the date of medical stability. The Division's online Benefits Calculator figures the weekly rate. Benefits Calculator: https://labor.alaska.gov/wc/benefitcalculator.htm Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: AS 23.30.185 |
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| Maximum weekly benefit | For calendar year 2026, the maximum weekly compensation rate is $1,627 (120% of the Alaska average weekly wage of $1,356) and the minimum is $358 (22% of the maximum). The insurer may pay less than the minimum in some cases, for example if the worker does not provide proof of earnings ($110 per week). The rates change each January 1. |
| How long benefits last | Temporary total disability is paid until the worker is medically stable or can return to work, whichever comes first. Temporary partial disability is paid until medical stability or for up to five years, whichever comes first. Permanent total disability is paid until the disability ends or until death. Permanent partial impairment is a set amount based on the impairment rating and is usually paid in a lump sum (or every 14 days while the worker is in the reemployment process). The Division explains that medical stability means no further objectively measurable improvement is expected from more medical care. |
| Waiting period | No disability benefits are paid for the first three days of disability unless the worker is disabled for more than 28 calendar days; in that case the insurer must also pay for the first three days. |
| Permanent disability | Permanent partial impairment (PPI) is paid when the worker reaches medical stability: a doctor rates the whole-person impairment using the AMA Guides (Sixth Edition), and that percentage is multiplied by $273,000 (for injuries on or after January 1, 2023). PPI is usually paid in a lump sum. Permanent total disability is paid at the weekly compensation rate if the worker can no longer regularly and continuously work because of the injury, until the disability ends or the worker dies; loss of both hands, arms, feet, legs or eyes is presumed permanent total disability unless the worker can actually earn a regular income. From April 1, 2026, impairment ratings must use the AMA Guides, Sixth Edition 2025 (Bulletin No. 26-01). |
Where to get help in Alaska
More Alaska workers' compensation
- Filing a Workers' Comp Claim in Alaska
- Workers' Comp Settlements in Alaska
- Retaliation for Filing Workers' Comp in Alaska
- Appealing a Denied Workers' Comp Claim in Alaska
- All Alaska workers' compensation rules
FAQ
How much does workers' comp pay in Alaska?
Temporary total disability pays 80% of the worker's spendable weekly wages (take-home pay after taxes, based on gross weekly earnings, marital status and dependents) while the disability continues, but not after the date of medical stability. The Division's online Benefits Calculator figures the weekly rate.
What is the maximum workers' comp benefit in Alaska?
For calendar year 2026, the maximum weekly compensation rate is $1,627 (120% of the Alaska average weekly wage of $1,356) and the minimum is $358 (22% of the maximum). The insurer may pay less than the minimum in some cases, for example if the worker does not provide proof of earnings ($110 per week). The rates change each January 1.
How long can you receive workers' comp in Alaska?
Temporary total disability is paid until the worker is medically stable or can return to work, whichever comes first. Temporary partial disability is paid until medical stability or for up to five years, whichever comes first. Permanent total disability is paid until the disability ends or until death. Permanent partial impairment is a set amount based on the impairment rating and is usually paid in a lump sum (or every 14 days while the worker is in the reemployment process).
Is there a waiting period for workers' comp in Alaska?
No disability benefits are paid for the first three days of disability unless the worker is disabled for more than 28 calendar days; in that case the insurer must also pay for the first three days.
How does permanent disability work under workers' comp in Alaska?
Permanent partial impairment (PPI) is paid when the worker reaches medical stability: a doctor rates the whole-person impairment using the AMA Guides (Sixth Edition), and that percentage is multiplied by $273,000 (for injuries on or after January 1, 2023). PPI is usually paid in a lump sum. Permanent total disability is paid at the weekly compensation rate if the worker can no longer regularly and continuously work because of the injury, until the disability ends or the worker dies; loss of both hands, arms, feet, legs or eyes is presumed permanent total disability unless the worker can actually earn a regular income.
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.