How Much Workers' Comp Pays in Pennsylvania
How Pennsylvania calculates weekly workers' comp benefits, the current maximum, the waiting period and permanent disability.
Short answer: Wage-loss benefits are about two-thirds (66⅔%) of the worker's average weekly wage, up to a weekly maximum. The minimum rate is the lower of 90% of the worker's average weekly wage or 50% of the statewide average weekly wage. LIBC-100; Pa. Dept. of Labor & Industry, Statewide Average Weekly Wage
| Weekly benefit rate | Wage-loss benefits are about two-thirds (66⅔%) of the worker's average weekly wage, up to a weekly maximum. The minimum rate is the lower of 90% of the worker's average weekly wage or 50% of the statewide average weekly wage. Benefits can be offset by 50% of Social Security old-age benefits, the employer-paid part of a pension, severance pay, unemployment compensation or other earnings; there is no cost-of-living increase. |
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| Maximum weekly benefit | For injuries on or after Jan. 1, 2026, the maximum weekly compensation rate is $1,394.00. Workers with an average weekly wage between $1,045.51 and $2,091.00 receive 66⅔%; between $774.44 and $1,045.50 receive $697.00; and at $774.43 or less receive 90% of their average weekly wage. The 2025 maximum was $1,347.00. |
| How long benefits last | Total disability status has no fixed week limit while the worker is totally disabled, but after 104 weeks of total disability benefits the employer or insurer can require an impairment rating evaluation. If the worker's impairment is under 35 percent, the worker's status can change to partial disability. Partial disability benefits are paid for a maximum of 500 weeks; under the Act, weeks already paid as total disability do not reduce that 500-week period. A worker on partial status who later gets a qualifying impairment rating of 35 percent or more may petition to be reinstated to total disability. The 35 percent threshold is taken from the department's LIBC-100 brochure (rev. 10-24). The Act compilation posted on pa.gov (regulations/wc/act.pdf) still shows an older 50 percent figure in section 306(a.2), so it appears not to reflect later amendments. |
| Waiting period | The worker must be disabled more than seven calendar days (including weekends) before wage-loss benefits are payable; benefits begin on the eighth day. Once the worker has been off work 14 days, the first seven days are paid retroactively. Source: LIBC-100 |
| Permanent disability | Total disability status applies while the worker cannot work. After 104 weeks, the employer/insurer can require an impairment-rating exam; if the worker's whole-body impairment is below 35% under AMA standards, the status can change to partial disability, which is limited to 500 weeks. A worker on partial disability who later obtains a 35%-or-greater rating may petition to reinstate total disability. Separate specific loss benefits are paid for permanent loss of use of body parts such as a thumb, finger, hand, arm, leg, foot, toe, sight or hearing, or for serious permanent disfigurement of the head, face or neck. Source: LIBC-100 |
Where to get help in Pennsylvania
More Pennsylvania workers' compensation
- Filing a Workers' Comp Claim in Pennsylvania
- Workers' Comp Settlements in Pennsylvania
- Retaliation for Filing Workers' Comp in Pennsylvania
- Suing Over a Work Injury in Pennsylvania
- Appealing a Denied Workers' Comp Claim in Pennsylvania
- All Pennsylvania workers' compensation rules
FAQ
How much does workers' comp pay in Pennsylvania?
Wage-loss benefits are about two-thirds (66⅔%) of the worker's average weekly wage, up to a weekly maximum. The minimum rate is the lower of 90% of the worker's average weekly wage or 50% of the statewide average weekly wage. Benefits can be offset by 50% of Social Security old-age benefits, the employer-paid part of a pension, severance pay, unemployment compensation or other earnings; there is no cost-of-living increase.
What is the maximum workers' comp benefit in Pennsylvania?
For injuries on or after Jan. 1, 2026, the maximum weekly compensation rate is $1,394.00. Workers with an average weekly wage between $1,045.51 and $2,091.00 receive 66⅔%; between $774.44 and $1,045.50 receive $697.00; and at $774.43 or less receive 90% of their average weekly wage. The 2025 maximum was $1,347.00.
How long can you receive workers' comp in Pennsylvania?
Total disability status has no fixed week limit while the worker is totally disabled, but after 104 weeks of total disability benefits the employer or insurer can require an impairment rating evaluation. If the worker's impairment is under 35 percent, the worker's status can change to partial disability. Partial disability benefits are paid for a maximum of 500 weeks; under the Act, weeks already paid as total disability do not reduce that 500-week period. A worker on partial status who later gets a qualifying impairment rating of 35 percent or more may petition to be reinstated to total disability.
Is there a waiting period for workers' comp in Pennsylvania?
The worker must be disabled more than seven calendar days (including weekends) before wage-loss benefits are payable; benefits begin on the eighth day. Once the worker has been off work 14 days, the first seven days are paid retroactively.
How does permanent disability work under workers' comp in Pennsylvania?
Total disability status applies while the worker cannot work. After 104 weeks, the employer/insurer can require an impairment-rating exam; if the worker's whole-body impairment is below 35% under AMA standards, the status can change to partial disability, which is limited to 500 weeks. A worker on partial disability who later obtains a 35%-or-greater rating may petition to reinstate total disability. Separate specific loss benefits are paid for permanent loss of use of body parts such as a thumb, finger, hand, arm, leg, foot, toe, sight or hearing, or for serious permanent disfigurement of the head, face or neck.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.