How Much Workers' Comp Pays in Kentucky

Temporary total (and permanent total) disability benefits are 66 2/3% of the worker's average weekly wage, but not more than 110% and not less than 20% of the state average weekly wage. Benefits are reduced by unemployment benefits received for the same period and by certain employer-funded disability payments.

For injuries occurring January 1 through December 31, 2026, the maximum weekly benefit for temporary or permanent total disability is $1,277.99 and the minimum is $232.36. The maximum for permanent partial disability is $958.49 (or $1,277.99 when the worker cannot return to the type of work done at the time of injury). The 2026 figures are based on a 2024 state average weekly wage of $1,161.81.

Temporary and permanent total disability benefits are paid during the disability. Permanent partial disability is paid for 425 weeks if the permanent disability rating is 50% or less, and for 520 weeks (from the date the disability exceeding 50% arises) if the rating is greater than 50%; permanent partial benefits may never be paid for more than 520 weeks. A period of temporary total disability within the permanent partial period extends that period. All income benefits end when the employee reaches age 70, or four years after the injury or last exposure, whichever is later.

No income benefits are paid for the first seven days of disability unless the disability lasts more than two weeks; if it does, benefits are paid from the first day. Benefits must start no later than the 15th day after the employer knows of the disability and are paid at least twice a month. Late payments carry interest.

Permanent partial disability is based on the worker's permanent impairment rating under the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, multiplied by a statutory factor (from 0.65 for ratings of 0–5% up to 1.70 for 36% and above) and by 66 2/3% of the average weekly wage, subject to the state cap. The benefit is tripled if the worker cannot return to the type of work done at injury, with added amounts for age 50 or older and limited education; it is doubled during periods when a worker who returned at the same or higher wage stops working. Benefits run 425 weeks for ratings of 50% or less and 520 weeks for ratings over 50%. Permanent total disability is paid at the total disability rate. All income benefits generally end when the worker turns 70 or four years after the injury, whichever is later.