How Much Workers' Comp Pays in Georgia

Temporary total disability pays two-thirds of the worker's average weekly wage (based on the 13 weeks before the accident), up to the state maximum. For non-catastrophic injuries, benefits last as long as the worker is totally disabled but no longer than 400 weeks from the date of injury; catastrophic injuries have no week limit. If a worker who is not working has been able to do restricted work for 52 consecutive or 78 total weeks, benefits drop to the temporary partial disability rate.

For accidents on or after July 1, 2023, the maximum weekly benefit is $800 for total disability (catastrophic and non-catastrophic) and for death benefits, and $533 for temporary partial disability. The minimum total disability benefit is $50 per week. The Board's provisions summary (revised July 1, 2025) states there were no benefit rate changes in 2024 or 2025.

Temporary total disability benefits are paid as long as the worker is totally disabled, but no longer than 400 weeks (for accidents on or after July 1, 1992). If the worker is not working and has been able to work with restrictions for 52 consecutive weeks or 78 total weeks, benefits are reduced to the temporary partial rate for up to 350 weeks. Temporary partial disability benefits for a worker who returns to a lower-paying job last no longer than 350 weeks from the date of injury. A worker with a catastrophic injury may be entitled to lifetime benefits.

Weekly income benefits are paid if you have more than seven days of lost time. The first check should be mailed within 21 days after the first day of missed work. If you are out more than 21 consecutive days because of the injury, you are also paid for the first week.

Permanent partial disability is based on an impairment rating given by the authorized treating physician under the AMA Guides. The payment equals the number of weeks the statute assigns to the body part (for example, 225 weeks for an arm or leg, 160 for a hand, 150 for an eye, 300 for the body as a whole) multiplied by the rating percentage and by the worker's temporary total disability rate. When the worker returns to a lower-paying job, temporary partial disability pays two-thirds of the wage difference, up to $533 per week, for no more than 350 weeks.