Iowa Workers' Compensation: Deadlines, Benefits and How to File
Iowa workers' comp rules: who must carry it, deadlines to report and file, weekly benefit rate and maximum, choosing a doctor, appeals and retaliation.
Quick answers for Iowa
- Deadline to report the injury
- The employer must have notice or knowledge of the work injury within 90 days of when the worker knew or should have known the injury was work-related. If notice is not given within 90 days, benefits may be denied. Iowa Code §§ 85.23, 85.24; DIAL Workers' Compensation Division, Time Limitations
- Deadline to file a claim
- If no weekly disability benefits have been paid, the worker must file a petition with the Workers' Compensation Division within two years of the date of injury (the date the worker knew or should have known it was work-related). Iowa Code § 85.26(1); DIAL Workers' Compensation Division, Time Limitations
- Weekly benefit rate
- Weekly benefits are 80% of the employee's weekly spendable (after-tax) earnings, up to a maximum equal to 200% of the statewide average weekly wage in effect at the time of injury. Iowa Code §§ 85.33, 85.37(1); DIAL Workers' Compensation Division, Benefits
- Maximum weekly benefit
- For injuries from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027 (state average weekly wage $1,215.65), the maximum weekly benefit is $2,431 for temporary total, healing period, permanent total and death benefits, and $2,237 for permanent partial disability. Iowa Code § 85.37; DIAL Workers' Compensation Division, Rate Information
Last verified: 2026-10-27
Coverage and deadlines
| Which employers must carry it | Iowa requires most employers to carry workers' compensation insurance or register as self-insured. Exemptions are limited and complex: household and casual workers who earn less than $1,500 from the employer in the 12 months before the injury; agricultural workers if the employer's cash payroll (excluding exempt family members) was under $2,500 in the prior year; certain relatives; workers covered by federal law; and independent contractors. Proprietors, partners and LLC members may opt out, and some corporate officers may reject coverage. |
|---|---|
| Deadline to report the injury | The employer must have notice or knowledge of the work injury within 90 days of when the worker knew or should have known the injury was work-related. If notice is not given within 90 days, benefits may be denied. No particular form of notice is required. |
| Deadline to file a claim | If no weekly disability benefits have been paid, the worker must file a petition with the Workers' Compensation Division within two years of the date of injury (the date the worker knew or should have known it was work-related). If weekly benefits have been paid, the worker has three years from the last weekly payment to seek additional benefits. |
| Waiting period | Temporary total disability benefits begin on the fourth day the worker is off because of the injury. If the worker misses more than 14 days, the first three days are paid (added to the third week's payment). Weekly payments are due beginning on the eleventh day after the injury. |
Benefits
| Weekly benefit rate | Weekly benefits are 80% of the employee's weekly spendable (after-tax) earnings, up to a maximum equal to 200% of the statewide average weekly wage in effect at the time of injury. Temporary total disability continues until the worker returns to work or is medically able to return to substantially similar work. Temporary partial disability pays 66 2/3% of the difference between pre-injury gross weekly earnings and earnings in a lower-paying job. |
|---|---|
| Maximum weekly benefit | For injuries from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027 (state average weekly wage $1,215.65), the maximum weekly benefit is $2,431 for temporary total, healing period, permanent total and death benefits, and $2,237 for permanent partial disability. For injuries from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, the maximums were $2,350 and $2,162. The minimum weekly benefit is tied to 35% of the state average weekly wage (or the worker's spendable earnings, if less). |
| How long benefits last | Temporary total disability benefits end when the worker returns to work or has recovered enough medically to return to similar work. Healing period benefits (for injuries causing a permanent impairment) end when the worker returns to work, has recovered as much as expected, or is medically able to return to similar work. Permanent partial disability is paid for a set number of weeks: scheduled body parts have a fixed number of weeks (for example, 400 weeks for loss of a shoulder and 190 weeks for loss of a hand), and body-as-a-whole (industrial) disability is a percentage of 500 weeks. Permanent total disability benefits are payable for as long as the worker remains permanently and totally disabled. |
| Permanent disability | Healing period benefits are paid while a worker with a permanent injury recovers. Scheduled injuries (specific body parts listed in the statute) are paid for a set number of weeks based on the loss. For other (body as a whole) injuries, benefits are a share of 500 weeks reflecting the reduction in earning capacity; if the worker returns to work, or is offered work, at the same or higher pay, benefits are based only on functional impairment. Serious disfigurement can be compensated for up to 150 weeks. Source: Iowa Code § 85.34 |
| Death benefits | The employer pays reasonable burial expenses up to 12 times the statewide average weekly wage in effect at the time of death. Wholly dependent survivors receive 80% of the worker's weekly spendable earnings: a surviving spouse for life or until remarriage (with a two-year lump sum on remarriage if there are no children entitled to benefits), and children until 18 (up to 25 if actually dependent, such as full-time students, and longer if incapacitated). If there are no dependents, the employer pays medical and burial costs. Source: Iowa Code §§ 85.28, 85.29, 85.31 |
Doctors, filing, settlements and appeals
| Choosing a doctor | In most circumstances, the employer has the right to choose the medical care. The care must be offered promptly and be reasonably suited to treat the injury without undue inconvenience. If the employee is dissatisfied, the employee should tell the employer (in writing if asked) and request alternate care; if they cannot agree, the employee may file a petition with the Workers' Compensation Division for alternate care. In an emergency, the employee may choose care at the employer's expense if the employer cannot be reached immediately. |
|---|---|
| How to file | Give your employer notice of the injury within 90 days. The employer must file a First Report of Injury with the Workers' Compensation Division within four days of notice if the injury causes more than three days of lost time, permanent injury or death. If benefits are not paid, file a petition with the Division (cases are handled through the Workers' Compensation Electronic System, WCES). The Division is a neutral body and does not give legal advice. |
| Settlements | Yes. The two basic types are an Agreement for Settlement, which resolves the amount and extent of compensation due, and a Compromise Settlement, used when the parties disagree about the employee's benefits; a combination settlement accepts part of a claim through an agreement and resolves the rest by compromise. The Workers' Compensation Commissioner must approve each settlement. An approved compromise settlement ends both parties' future rights to benefits for the settled injury. Weekly benefits can also be converted (commuted) to a lump sum with approval if there is a specific need and it is in the employee's best interest; a full commutation ends all future rights to benefits, including medical, while a partial commutation does not end future rights. |
| Appealing a denial | Contested cases are heard by deputy workers' compensation commissioners. A party aggrieved by a deputy's decision may appeal to the Workers' Compensation Commissioner within the time and manner set by agency rule; the commissioner may affirm, modify, reverse or send the case back. After the agency's final decision, a party may seek judicial review in the courts. |
| Deadline to challenge a denial | A party aggrieved by a deputy workers' compensation commissioner's decision may appeal to the workers' compensation commissioner in the time and manner set by agency rule, and the commissioner's decision is final agency action. Judicial review is sought in district court under the Iowa Administrative Procedure Act: the petition must be filed within thirty days after the agency's final decision, or within thirty days after a rehearing application is denied or deemed denied. The prior intra-agency appeal rule (Iowa Admin. The deadline to file the original petition is in workcomp/claim_deadline. |
| Filing or checking a claim online | In Iowa, employers file a First Report of Injury with the Workers' Compensation Division (Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing) within four days after notice or knowledge of an alleged injury that causes temporary disability longer than three days, permanent disability or death; reports are filed online through EDI, and filing does not admit liability. Workers' Compensation Division: 515-725-4120 or toll-free 800-645-4583. |
| Lawyer fees in comp cases | In Iowa all fees for legal services in workers' comp cases are subject to the approval of the workers' compensation commissioner (or a district court judge for services in the courts). An attorney may not take a fee based on compensation the employer voluntarily paid or agreed to pay, and may recover a fee only on compensation the attorney shows would not have been paid but for the attorney's efforts; disputes are resolved by the commissioner. |
Lawsuits and uninsured employers
| Suing your employer | Generally no: workers' comp rights are the exclusive and only remedies of the worker and family against the employer for a covered injury, occupational disease or hearing loss. A suit is allowed against a co-employee only if the injury was caused by the co-employee's gross negligence amounting to wanton neglect for the safety of another. Separately, an employer that failed to insure as required can be sued for damages. Source: Iowa Code §§ 85.20, 87.21 |
|---|---|
| Suing someone other than your employer | Yes. A worker may claim comp from the employer and also sue a third party (not the employer or a protected co-employee) whose legal liability caused the injury, and must serve a copy of the original notice on the employer at least ten days before trial. The employer or insurer that paid comp is reimbursed from the recovery with interest (less the worker's allowed attorney fees) and has a lien, which it must preserve by filing notice of the lien with the court clerk within 30 days after receiving notice of the suit. If the worker does not sue within 90 days after written notice from the employer or insurer (30 days if the third party is a city), the employer or insurer may sue; settlements need the other side's written consent or the commissioner's approval. Source: Iowa Code § 85.22(1)-(3) |
| If your employer has no workers' comp | An employer that fails to insure as required is liable to an injured worker, who may either sue the employer for damages or collect workers' comp. In a damages suit, the injury is presumed to result from the employer's negligence, the employer must disprove it, the employer cannot use common-law defenses such as contributory negligence, assumption of risk or the fellow-servant rule, and either side may have a jury. Willfully and knowingly doing business without required coverage is a class D felony. Source: Iowa Code §§ 87.21, 87.14A |
Where to get help in Iowa
Workers' Compensation FAQ
Which employers must have workers' comp in Iowa?
Iowa requires most employers to carry workers' compensation insurance or register as self-insured. Exemptions are limited and complex: household and casual workers who earn less than $1,500 from the employer in the 12 months before the injury; agricultural workers if the employer's cash payroll (excluding exempt family members) was under $2,500 in the prior year; certain relatives; workers covered by federal law; and independent contractors. Proprietors, partners and LLC members may opt out, and some corporate officers may reject coverage.
How long do you have to report a work injury in Iowa?
The employer must have notice or knowledge of the work injury within 90 days of when the worker knew or should have known the injury was work-related. If notice is not given within 90 days, benefits may be denied. No particular form of notice is required.
What is the deadline to file a workers' comp claim in Iowa?
If no weekly disability benefits have been paid, the worker must file a petition with the Workers' Compensation Division within two years of the date of injury (the date the worker knew or should have known it was work-related). If weekly benefits have been paid, the worker has three years from the last weekly payment to seek additional benefits.
Is there a waiting period for workers' comp in Iowa?
Temporary total disability benefits begin on the fourth day the worker is off because of the injury. If the worker misses more than 14 days, the first three days are paid (added to the third week's payment). Weekly payments are due beginning on the eleventh day after the injury.
How much does workers' comp pay in Iowa?
Weekly benefits are 80% of the employee's weekly spendable (after-tax) earnings, up to a maximum equal to 200% of the statewide average weekly wage in effect at the time of injury. Temporary total disability continues until the worker returns to work or is medically able to return to substantially similar work. Temporary partial disability pays 66 2/3% of the difference between pre-injury gross weekly earnings and earnings in a lower-paying job.
What is the maximum workers' comp benefit in Iowa?
For injuries from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027 (state average weekly wage $1,215.65), the maximum weekly benefit is $2,431 for temporary total, healing period, permanent total and death benefits, and $2,237 for permanent partial disability. For injuries from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, the maximums were $2,350 and $2,162. The minimum weekly benefit is tied to 35% of the state average weekly wage (or the worker's spendable earnings, if less).
Can you choose your own doctor for workers' comp in Iowa?
In most circumstances, the employer has the right to choose the medical care. The care must be offered promptly and be reasonably suited to treat the injury without undue inconvenience. If the employee is dissatisfied, the employee should tell the employer (in writing if asked) and request alternate care; if they cannot agree, the employee may file a petition with the Workers' Compensation Division for alternate care. In an emergency, the employee may choose care at the employer's expense if the employer cannot be reached immediately.
How does permanent disability work under workers' comp in Iowa?
Healing period benefits are paid while a worker with a permanent injury recovers. Scheduled injuries (specific body parts listed in the statute) are paid for a set number of weeks based on the loss. For other (body as a whole) injuries, benefits are a share of 500 weeks reflecting the reduction in earning capacity; if the worker returns to work, or is offered work, at the same or higher pay, benefits are based only on functional impairment. Serious disfigurement can be compensated for up to 150 weeks.
What workers' comp death benefits are available in Iowa?
The employer pays reasonable burial expenses up to 12 times the statewide average weekly wage in effect at the time of death. Wholly dependent survivors receive 80% of the worker's weekly spendable earnings: a surviving spouse for life or until remarriage (with a two-year lump sum on remarriage if there are no children entitled to benefits), and children until 18 (up to 25 if actually dependent, such as full-time students, and longer if incapacitated). If there are no dependents, the employer pays medical and burial costs.
How do you file a workers' comp claim in Iowa?
Give your employer notice of the injury within 90 days. The employer must file a First Report of Injury with the Workers' Compensation Division within four days of notice if the injury causes more than three days of lost time, permanent injury or death. If benefits are not paid, file a petition with the Division (cases are handled through the Workers' Compensation Electronic System, WCES). The Division is a neutral body and does not give legal advice.
How do you appeal a denied workers' comp claim in Iowa?
Contested cases are heard by deputy workers' compensation commissioners. A party aggrieved by a deputy's decision may appeal to the Workers' Compensation Commissioner within the time and manner set by agency rule; the commissioner may affirm, modify, reverse or send the case back. After the agency's final decision, a party may seek judicial review in the courts.
How long can you receive workers' comp in Iowa?
Temporary total disability benefits end when the worker returns to work or has recovered enough medically to return to similar work. Healing period benefits (for injuries causing a permanent impairment) end when the worker returns to work, has recovered as much as expected, or is medically able to return to similar work. Permanent partial disability is paid for a set number of weeks: scheduled body parts have a fixed number of weeks (for example, 400 weeks for loss of a shoulder and 190 weeks for loss of a hand), and body-as-a-whole (industrial) disability is a percentage of 500 weeks. Permanent total disability benefits are payable for as long as the worker remains permanently and totally disabled.
How do workers' comp settlements work in Iowa?
Yes. The two basic types are an Agreement for Settlement, which resolves the amount and extent of compensation due, and a Compromise Settlement, used when the parties disagree about the employee's benefits; a combination settlement accepts part of a claim through an agreement and resolves the rest by compromise. The Workers' Compensation Commissioner must approve each settlement. An approved compromise settlement ends both parties' future rights to benefits for the settled injury. Weekly benefits can also be converted (commuted) to a lump sum with approval if there is a specific need and it is in the employee's best interest; a full commutation ends all future rights to benefits, including medical, while a partial commutation does not end future rights.
How do I file or check a workers' comp claim online in Iowa?
In Iowa, employers file a First Report of Injury with the Workers' Compensation Division (Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing) within four days after notice or knowledge of an alleged injury that causes temporary disability longer than three days, permanent disability or death; reports are filed online through EDI, and filing does not admit liability. Workers' Compensation Division: 515-725-4120 or toll-free 800-645-4583.
How much can a workers' comp lawyer charge in Iowa?
In Iowa all fees for legal services in workers' comp cases are subject to the approval of the workers' compensation commissioner (or a district court judge for services in the courts). An attorney may not take a fee based on compensation the employer voluntarily paid or agreed to pay, and may recover a fee only on compensation the attorney shows would not have been paid but for the attorney's efforts; disputes are resolved by the commissioner.
Can you sue your employer for a work injury in Iowa?
Generally no: workers' comp rights are the exclusive and only remedies of the worker and family against the employer for a covered injury, occupational disease or hearing loss. A suit is allowed against a co-employee only if the injury was caused by the co-employee's gross negligence amounting to wanton neglect for the safety of another. Separately, an employer that failed to insure as required can be sued for damages.
Can you sue a third party for a work injury in Iowa?
Yes. A worker may claim comp from the employer and also sue a third party (not the employer or a protected co-employee) whose legal liability caused the injury, and must serve a copy of the original notice on the employer at least ten days before trial. The employer or insurer that paid comp is reimbursed from the recovery with interest (less the worker's allowed attorney fees) and has a lien, which it must preserve by filing notice of the lien with the court clerk within 30 days after receiving notice of the suit. If the worker does not sue within 90 days after written notice from the employer or insurer (30 days if the third party is a city), the employer or insurer may sue; settlements need the other side's written consent or the commissioner's approval.
What if my employer doesn't have workers' comp insurance in Iowa?
An employer that fails to insure as required is liable to an injured worker, who may either sue the employer for damages or collect workers' comp. In a damages suit, the injury is presumed to result from the employer's negligence, the employer must disprove it, the employer cannot use common-law defenses such as contributory negligence, assumption of risk or the fellow-servant rule, and either side may have a jury. Willfully and knowingly doing business without required coverage is a class D felony.
How long do you have to appeal a denied workers' comp claim in Iowa?
A party aggrieved by a deputy workers' compensation commissioner's decision may appeal to the workers' compensation commissioner in the time and manner set by agency rule, and the commissioner's decision is final agency action. Judicial review is sought in district court under the Iowa Administrative Procedure Act: the petition must be filed within thirty days after the agency's final decision, or within thirty days after a rehearing application is denied or deemed denied.
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