How Much Workers' Comp Pays in North Carolina

Total disability compensation is 66 2/3% of the employee's average weekly wage, but not more than the annual maximum and not less than $30 per week. Temporary total disability is limited to 500 weeks from the first date of disability unless, after 425 weeks have passed, the employee proves a total loss of wage-earning capacity and qualifies for extended compensation.

The maximum weekly compensation rate is $1,446.00 for injuries in 2026 ($1,380.00 in 2025). The minimum is $30 per week. The maximum is set annually and applies according to the year of injury.

Temporary total disability benefits are limited to 500 weeks from the date of first disability. A worker may apply for extended compensation beyond 500 weeks only after 425 weeks have passed since the first disability, and (unless the parties agree) must prove a total loss of wage-earning capacity, meaning the complete elimination of the capacity to earn any wages. Partial incapacity benefits are limited to 500 weeks of payments, and weeks paid for total disability count against that total. Lifetime benefits, including medical compensation, are available only for permanent total disability in listed catastrophic cases, such as the loss of both hands, arms, feet, legs or eyes (or any two of them), severe spinal cord injury, severe brain injury, or burns covering 33% or more of the body; in no other case is a worker eligible for lifetime permanent total disability compensation.

No wage-loss compensation is paid for the first seven calendar days of disability (medical care is still provided). If the disability lasts more than 21 days, compensation is paid from the first day of disability. Employers may let employees use paid sick leave, vacation or employer disability benefits during the first seven days.

Permanent partial disability for listed body parts is paid under a statutory schedule at 66 2/3% of the average weekly wage for a set number of weeks (for example, 75 weeks for loss of a thumb, 45 weeks for an index finger), with partial loss of use paid proportionally based on a rating (the Industrial Commission publishes a rating guide). Scheduled benefits are paid in addition to compensation during the healing period and in place of other compensation for that loss. An employee who is totally disabled may receive total disability benefits as described above, including extended benefits beyond 500 weeks for a total loss of wage-earning capacity.