How Much Workers' Comp Pays in District of Columbia

Temporary total disability pays 66 2/3% of the employee's average weekly wage while the disability lasts, subject to the weekly maximum and minimum. The minimum for total disability or death is 25% of the maximum.

For 2026 (effective January 1, 2026), the maximum weekly compensation rate is $1,852.07 and the minimum is $463.02. For 2025 the maximum was $1,808.66 and the minimum $452.17. The maximum equals the average weekly wage of insured employees in the District and is reset each January 1.

Permanent total and temporary total disability benefits are paid for as long as the disability continues, with no fixed week limit. Temporary partial disability benefits cannot be paid for more than 5 years. Permanent partial disability for scheduled body parts is paid for the number of weeks set in the statute's schedule.

No wage benefits are paid for the first three days of disability (medical benefits are paid). If the disability lasts more than 14 days, benefits are paid from the first day of disability.

Scheduled permanent partial disabilities pay 66 2/3% of the average weekly wage for a set number of weeks, in addition to temporary disability. The statute lists, for example, 312 weeks for an arm, 288 for a leg, 244 for a hand, 205 for a foot and 160 for an eye, but for injuries on or after April 16, 1999 each scheduled period is cut by 25% (rounded up), giving 234 weeks for an arm, 216 for a leg, 183 for a hand, 154 for a foot and 120 for an eye. Other permanent partial disabilities are paid at 66 2/3% of lost wages, based on the difference between pre-injury and post-injury earnings. Partial disability benefits for one injury generally may not exceed 500 weeks, with a possible extension of up to 167 weeks for whole-body impairment over 20%. Permanent total disability pays 66 2/3% of the average weekly wage while it lasts; loss of any two of the hands, arms, feet, legs or eyes is presumed to be permanent total disability.