How Much Workers' Comp Pays in New Jersey

Temporary total disability is paid at 70% of the worker's average weekly wage, subject to a maximum of 75% and a minimum of 20% of the Statewide Average Weekly Wage (SAWW) for the year of the accident. Benefits generally continue while the worker cannot work and is under active medical care, until release to work or maximum medical improvement, for up to 400 weeks.

For accidents in 2026 (effective January 1, 2026), the temporary and permanent total disability maximum is $1,199 per week and the minimum is $320 per week. The death-benefit maximum rate is also $1,199. For permanent partial disability the 2026 schedule lists a maximum rate of $1,598.66 and a minimum of $35 per week, depending on the number of weeks awarded.

Temporary disability benefits are paid during the period of disability, but not beyond 400 weeks; the Division of Workers' Compensation explains that they usually end when the worker is released to return to work or reaches maximum medical improvement. Permanent total disability benefits are paid for 450 weeks. After 450 weeks, payments continue only if the worker has completed any rehabilitation ordered and shows that, because of the disability, he or she cannot earn wages equal to those earned at the time of the accident; any continued payments are reduced by the portion of former wages the worker can now earn and are subject to periodic review.

No wage benefits are payable until the worker has been disabled for 7 days (the days need not be consecutive, and weekends and holidays count). If the disability lasts beyond 7 days, the waiting period is paid retroactively from the first day. There is no waiting period for medical benefits or permanent disability benefits.

Permanent partial disability is based on a percentage of a 'scheduled' loss (arms, hands, fingers, legs, feet, toes, eyes, ears or teeth, each assigned a number of weeks, for example 330 weeks for an arm and 315 for a leg) or a 'non-scheduled' loss (such as the back, heart or lungs), which is rated as a percentage of 600 weeks. These benefits are paid weekly after temporary disability ends. Permanent total disability pays 70% of wages (within the same max/min as temporary disability) for an initial 450 weeks and can continue after that if the worker shows he or she is still unable to earn wages. Losing two major members (such as both eyes, arms or legs) is presumed to be total disability. The Second Injury Fund may pay when total disability results from a work injury combined with a pre-existing condition.