How Much Workers' Comp Pays in South Carolina
How South Carolina calculates weekly workers' comp benefits, the current maximum, the waiting period and permanent disability.
Short answer: Temporary total disability is 66⅔% of the worker's average weekly wage, not more than the state average weekly wage for the preceding fiscal year, and not less than $75 a week (or the worker's actual average weekly wage if that is lower). S.C. Code §§ 42-9-10, 42-9-20; S.C. Workers' Compensation Commission, Injured Worker FAQ's
| Weekly benefit rate | Temporary total disability is 66⅔% of the worker's average weekly wage, not more than the state average weekly wage for the preceding fiscal year, and not less than $75 a week (or the worker's actual average weekly wage if that is lower). Total disability benefits generally may not be paid for more than 500 weeks. Temporary partial disability is 66⅔% of the difference between pre- and post-injury average weekly wages. |
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| Maximum weekly benefit | The Commission's Compensation Rates page lists a maximum weekly compensation rate of $1,189.94 for accidents on or after Jan. 1, 2026 (it was $1,134.43 for 2025). The statutory minimum is $75 a week, or the worker's actual average weekly wage if lower. A Commission advisory notice dated Dec. 19, 2025 stated a 2026 maximum of $1,178.30; the Compensation Rates page shows $1,189.94. |
| How long benefits last | Total disability compensation may not be paid for more than 500 weeks. The exception is a worker found totally and permanently disabled who, because of the work injury, is paraplegic or quadriplegic or has physical brain damage; that worker receives benefits for life. Partial disability compensation may not cover more than 340 weeks from the date of injury, and any earlier period of total disability is not deducted from that 340-week maximum. Scheduled losses (such as a hand or foot) are paid for set numbers of weeks under a separate schedule. |
| Waiting period | No wage-loss compensation is paid for the first seven calendar days of disability. If the disability lasts more than 14 days, compensation is paid from the first day of disability. Medical benefits are not subject to the waiting period. |
| Permanent disability | When treatment ends, the doctor may give an impairment rating. Permanent partial disability is paid as a percentage of loss of use of a body part, or a percentage of disability to the whole person, multiplied by a number of weeks set in the statute's schedule and the worker's compensation rate. Loss of both hands, arms, shoulders, feet, legs, hips or vision in both eyes (or any two) is total and permanent disability, generally paid for up to 500 weeks. |
Where to get help in South Carolina
More South Carolina workers' compensation
- Filing a Workers' Comp Claim in South Carolina
- Workers' Comp Settlements in South Carolina
- Retaliation for Filing Workers' Comp in South Carolina
- Suing Over a Work Injury in South Carolina
- Appealing a Denied Workers' Comp Claim in South Carolina
- All South Carolina workers' compensation rules
FAQ
How much does workers' comp pay in South Carolina?
Temporary total disability is 66⅔% of the worker's average weekly wage, not more than the state average weekly wage for the preceding fiscal year, and not less than $75 a week (or the worker's actual average weekly wage if that is lower). Total disability benefits generally may not be paid for more than 500 weeks. Temporary partial disability is 66⅔% of the difference between pre- and post-injury average weekly wages.
What is the maximum workers' comp benefit in South Carolina?
The Commission's Compensation Rates page lists a maximum weekly compensation rate of $1,189.94 for accidents on or after Jan. 1, 2026 (it was $1,134.43 for 2025). The statutory minimum is $75 a week, or the worker's actual average weekly wage if lower.
How long can you receive workers' comp in South Carolina?
Total disability compensation may not be paid for more than 500 weeks. The exception is a worker found totally and permanently disabled who, because of the work injury, is paraplegic or quadriplegic or has physical brain damage; that worker receives benefits for life. Partial disability compensation may not cover more than 340 weeks from the date of injury, and any earlier period of total disability is not deducted from that 340-week maximum. Scheduled losses (such as a hand or foot) are paid for set numbers of weeks under a separate schedule.
Is there a waiting period for workers' comp in South Carolina?
No wage-loss compensation is paid for the first seven calendar days of disability. If the disability lasts more than 14 days, compensation is paid from the first day of disability. Medical benefits are not subject to the waiting period.
How does permanent disability work under workers' comp in South Carolina?
When treatment ends, the doctor may give an impairment rating. Permanent partial disability is paid as a percentage of loss of use of a body part, or a percentage of disability to the whole person, multiplied by a number of weeks set in the statute's schedule and the worker's compensation rate. Loss of both hands, arms, shoulders, feet, legs, hips or vision in both eyes (or any two) is total and permanent disability, generally paid for up to 500 weeks.
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.