How Much Workers' Comp Pays in Michigan

For total disability with wage loss, weekly benefits are 80% of the worker's after-tax average weekly wage, up to the state maximum, for as long as the disability lasts. For partial disability, benefits are 80% of the difference between the after-tax average weekly wage before the injury and the worker's wage earning capacity after the injury, up to the maximum. Benefits are first due on the 14th day after the employer has notice or knowledge of the disability, then weekly.

For injuries in 2026, the maximum weekly benefit is $1,201.00 (90% of the 2026 state average weekly wage of $1,333.88). For 2025 injuries it was $1,164.00. The agency's chart also lists 2026 minimums of $666.94 (50% of the state average weekly wage) for death cases and $333.47 (25%) for specific-loss and total-and-permanent cases. The maximum is reset each January 1.

Weekly benefits for total disability are paid for the duration of the disability, with no fixed week limit. Certain severe injuries listed in the law create a conclusive presumption of total and permanent disability for up to 800 weeks from the date of injury; after that, permanent and total disability is decided on the facts at that time. Specific losses of body parts are compensated for a set number of weeks from a schedule (for example, 215 weeks for a hand and 269 weeks for an arm).

No wage benefits are paid unless the injury keeps the worker from earning full wages for at least 1 week. If the incapacity lasts more than 1 week, benefits begin on the eighth day after the injury. If the incapacity lasts 2 weeks or longer (or the injury causes death), benefits are paid back to the date of injury.

Michigan pays scheduled "specific loss" benefits for losing a body part or its use, paid weekly at 80% of after-tax average weekly wage for a set number of weeks (for example, hand 215 weeks, arm 269 weeks, foot 162 weeks, leg 215 weeks, eye 162 weeks; 80% loss of vision in one eye counts as total loss of that eye). Certain severe losses, such as loss of both eyes, both legs, both arms, or any two of these, or permanent paralysis of two limbs, are treated as total and permanent disability, paid at 80% of after-tax average weekly wage for the duration of the disability; the conclusive presumption of total and permanent disability lasts up to 800 weeks from the injury.