Workers' Comp Payout Estimator Guide: Formula & Worked Example
Short answer
Weekly disability benefit at two-thirds of your average wage. In the fixed example below, weekly benefit is 800.04. Your answer depends on the inputs and assumptions you choose.
Formula
Result = Workers' Comp Payout Estimator calculation using average weekly wage, benefit rate, state weekly maximum, weeks off work
The inputs are average weekly wage, benefit rate, state weekly maximum, weeks off work. Use the input scale shown beside each field and keep time periods and units consistent. Only round the final result for display.
Worked example
- Average weekly wage
- 1200
- Benefit rate
- 66.67
- State weekly maximum
- 1500
- Weeks off work
- 12
- Weekly benefit: 800.04
- Monthly (≈4.33 wks): 3,466.57
- Total for period: 9,600.48
- Lost wages not covered: 4,799.52
Understanding the result
Weekly disability benefit at two-thirds of your average wage. Start with the base example, then replace each value with the figure that matches your situation.
Average weekly wage
The example uses 1200 for average weekly wage. This is an illustration, not a recommended value. Keep the unit and time period shown by the field.
Benefit rate
The example uses 66.67 % for benefit rate. This is an illustration, not a recommended value. Keep the unit and time period shown by the field.
State weekly maximum
The example uses 1500 for state weekly maximum. This is an illustration, not a recommended value. Keep the unit and time period shown by the field.
Weeks off work
The example uses 12 for weeks off work. This is an illustration, not a recommended value. Keep the unit and time period shown by the field.
What the comparison means
The comparison changes only average weekly wage, keeping every other example input fixed. This isolates that input's effect on the primary result. It does not predict future outcomes.
This estimate is not a settlement offer. Evidence, jurisdiction, policy limits and legal advice determine the actual outcome.
Comparison
| Scenario | Input | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Lower input | Average weekly wage: 960 | Weekly benefit: 640.03 |
| Base example | Average weekly wage: 1200 | Weekly benefit: 800.04 |
| Higher input | Average weekly wage: 1440 | Weekly benefit: 960.05 |
Common mistakes
- Using the wrong units for average weekly wage.
- Comparing results while changing more than one input at a time.
- This estimate is not a settlement offer. Evidence, jurisdiction, policy limits and legal advice determine the actual outcome.
Checklist
- Confirm average weekly wage.
- Confirm benefit rate is expressed in %.
- Confirm state weekly maximum.
- Confirm weeks off work.
- Check the result against your source or provider.
Calculators Percentage Editorial Team
Calculator guides from the Calculators Percentage team. These introductory examples are educational, not professional advice.
Last reviewed:
This estimate is not a settlement offer. Evidence, jurisdiction, policy limits and legal advice determine the actual outcome.