How Much Workers' Comp Pays in Vermont
How Vermont calculates weekly workers' comp benefits, the current maximum, the waiting period and permanent disability.
Short answer: Temporary total disability is two-thirds of the worker's average weekly wage (generally based on the 26 weeks before the injury), within the state maximum and minimum, plus $20 per week for each dependent child under 21 (scheduled to change to $10 on July 1, 2028). 21 V.S.A. §§ 642, 650; Vermont Department of Labor, Claims Filing
| Weekly benefit rate | Temporary total disability is two-thirds of the worker's average weekly wage (generally based on the 26 weeks before the injury), within the state maximum and minimum, plus $20 per week for each dependent child under 21 (scheduled to change to $10 on July 1, 2028). Total weekly wage-replacement benefits, including the child amounts, may not exceed 90% of the worker's average weekly wage before any cost-of-living adjustment. Benefits are adjusted each July 1 after 26 weeks of payments. Temporary partial disability is two-thirds of the difference between full and part-time pay. |
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| Maximum weekly benefit | By statute, the maximum weekly compensation is 150% of the state "average compensation" and the minimum is 50%, each rounded up to the next dollar; the Commissioner announces new rates each July 1. A worker whose average weekly wage is below the minimum receives special treatment set out in the statute. The Department's historical rate table for July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026 lists $1,224.00, $1,836.00 and $612.00 under column headings that do not line up in the published file; the July 1, 2026 figures were not found. Table: https://labor.vermont.gov/sites/labor/files/documents/historicalrates.pdf Source: 21 V.S.A. § 601(18), (19) |
| How long benefits last | Temporary total disability benefits are paid during the disability; the statute sets no maximum number of weeks. Before stopping temporary benefits (unless the worker has successfully returned to work), the employer must file a notice with the Commissioner and the employee giving the date and reasons, and remains liable for seven days after the notice is received; the worker can object, and if the evidence does not reasonably support the discontinuance, payments continue until a hearing decision. Permanent total disability benefits are paid for the duration of the permanent total disability, and never for less than 330 weeks. Discontinuance notice rules: https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/21/009/00643a. Permanent total disability duration: https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/21/009/00645. Source: 21 V.S.A. §§ 642, 643a, 645 |
| Waiting period | Temporary total disability is not paid for the first three days of disability (the day of the accident counts as the first day unless the worker received full wages for it). If total disability continues after the third day for seven consecutive calendar days or more, compensation is paid for the whole period of disability. Source: 21 V.S.A. § 642 |
| Permanent disability | If a work injury leaves a permanent partial impairment, after temporary total disability ends the worker receives 66⅔% of the average weekly wage (within the maximum and minimum) for a number of weeks equal to the whole-person impairment percentage multiplied by 330 weeks. Impairment is rated under the Fifth Edition of the AMA Guides unless the Commissioner adopts a later edition by rule. Benefits are paid periodically unless a lump sum is approved. |
Where to get help in Vermont
More Vermont workers' compensation
- Filing a Workers' Comp Claim in Vermont
- Workers' Comp Settlements in Vermont
- Retaliation for Filing Workers' Comp in Vermont
- Suing Over a Work Injury in Vermont
- Appealing a Denied Workers' Comp Claim in Vermont
- All Vermont workers' compensation rules
FAQ
How much does workers' comp pay in Vermont?
Temporary total disability is two-thirds of the worker's average weekly wage (generally based on the 26 weeks before the injury), within the state maximum and minimum, plus $20 per week for each dependent child under 21 (scheduled to change to $10 on July 1, 2028). Total weekly wage-replacement benefits, including the child amounts, may not exceed 90% of the worker's average weekly wage before any cost-of-living adjustment. Benefits are adjusted each July 1 after 26 weeks of payments. Temporary partial disability is two-thirds of the difference between full and part-time pay.
What is the maximum workers' comp benefit in Vermont?
By statute, the maximum weekly compensation is 150% of the state "average compensation" and the minimum is 50%, each rounded up to the next dollar; the Commissioner announces new rates each July 1. A worker whose average weekly wage is below the minimum receives special treatment set out in the statute.
How long can you receive workers' comp in Vermont?
Temporary total disability benefits are paid during the disability; the statute sets no maximum number of weeks. Before stopping temporary benefits (unless the worker has successfully returned to work), the employer must file a notice with the Commissioner and the employee giving the date and reasons, and remains liable for seven days after the notice is received; the worker can object, and if the evidence does not reasonably support the discontinuance, payments continue until a hearing decision. Permanent total disability benefits are paid for the duration of the permanent total disability, and never for less than 330 weeks.
Is there a waiting period for workers' comp in Vermont?
Temporary total disability is not paid for the first three days of disability (the day of the accident counts as the first day unless the worker received full wages for it). If total disability continues after the third day for seven consecutive calendar days or more, compensation is paid for the whole period of disability.
How does permanent disability work under workers' comp in Vermont?
If a work injury leaves a permanent partial impairment, after temporary total disability ends the worker receives 66⅔% of the average weekly wage (within the maximum and minimum) for a number of weeks equal to the whole-person impairment percentage multiplied by 330 weeks. Impairment is rated under the Fifth Edition of the AMA Guides unless the Commissioner adopts a later edition by rule. Benefits are paid periodically unless a lump sum is approved.
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.