How Much Workers' Comp Pays 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.

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).

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.

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.

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.