How Much Workers' Comp Pays in Tennessee

Temporary disability benefits are usually two-thirds (66⅔%) of the worker's average weekly wage earned during the 52 weeks before the injury, subject to the state minimum and maximum. Partial disability benefits may be paid if the worker can work but earns less because of work restrictions.

For injuries from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, the maximum temporary benefit is $1,488.30 per week (110% of the $1,353 state average weekly wage) and the minimum is $202.95. The maximum for permanent benefits is $1,353 per week, and the maximum total benefit is $608,850. For July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026, the temporary maximum was $1,426.70.

Temporary total disability is paid until the worker reaches maximum medical improvement or returns to work, or for 450 weeks, whichever is shorter. Temporary partial disability is paid until maximum medical improvement or for 450 weeks, whichever is shorter. For permanent partial disability, all injuries are valued against a total of 450 weeks; the initial compensation period is 450 weeks times the impairment rating, or, for injuries on or after June 22, 2020, 180 days after maximum medical improvement if that is later. Increased benefits may be available at the end of that period, and in extraordinary cases a judge may award more, up to 275 weeks. Permanent total disability is paid until the worker becomes eligible for Social Security old-age retirement; if the injury happened within five years of full retirement eligibility, it is paid for 260 weeks.

Temporary disability benefits are due beginning on the eighth day of disability. If the disability lasts 14 days or longer, benefits are paid back to the first day. Temporary disability payments must be paid no later than 15 days after notice of injury.

At maximum medical improvement, the authorized treating physician may assign a permanent impairment rating under the AMA Guides. Permanent partial disability is 66⅔% of the average weekly wage; the rating combined with vocational factors and the worker's ability to return to prior work determines the award (body-as-a-whole awards are based on 450 weeks for current injuries). Permanent total disability applies if the worker cannot return to any job in the open market and continues until the worker becomes eligible for Social Security old-age retirement. Permanent disability disputes must go through Bureau mediation before a lawsuit.