California Workers' Comp Calculator (2026)
Quick answer: California temporary disability pays two-thirds of your average weekly wage before the injury. For injuries in 2026, the payment can't go below $264.61 or above $1,764.11 a week. You reach the maximum once you earned about $2,646 a week.
The first three days off work aren't paid unless you're out more than 14 days or admitted to a hospital.
| Average weekly wage | $0 |
| Weekly pay now | $0 |
| Two-thirds of wage | $0 |
| Weekly benefit | $0 |
How California calculates temporary disability
- Find your average weekly wage. This is your gross pay per week before the injury, before taxes. Your claims administrator calculates the official number from your pay records.
- Take two-thirds. Labor Code §4653 sets temporary total disability at two-thirds of average weekly earnings. If you're back at work for less money, §4654 pays two-thirds of the difference between what you made before and what you make now.
- Apply the floor and the cap. The rate set for the year of your injury limits the result. For 2026 injuries that's $264.61 to $1,764.11 a week.
- Check the waiting period. Under §4652, the first three days aren't paid unless the disability lasts more than 14 days or you're hospitalized as an inpatient. In those cases pay goes back to day one.
Three worked examples
Average weekly wage is $880. Two-thirds is $586.67 a week. That's between the 2026 floor and cap, so the full amount is paid.
That's about $3,077 a week. Two-thirds would be $2,051, but the 2026 cap limits the check to $1,764.11 a week.
The weekly loss is $400. Temporary partial disability pays two-thirds of that, $266.67 a week, on top of the $500 you're earning.
California temporary disability by weekly wage (2026 injuries)
Two-thirds of the wage, limited by the 2026 minimum and maximum. Wages below $396.92 a week get the minimum.
| Average weekly wage | Weekly TD | Every two weeks |
|---|---|---|
| $350 | $264.61 (minimum) | $529.22 |
| $500 | $333.33 | $666.67 |
| $600 | $400.00 | $800.00 |
| $800 | $533.33 | $1,066.67 |
| $1,000 | $666.67 | $1,333.33 |
| $1,250 | $833.33 | $1,666.67 |
| $1,500 | $1,000.00 | $2,000.00 |
| $2,000 | $1,333.33 | $2,666.67 |
| $2,500 | $1,666.67 | $3,333.33 |
| $2,646.17 or more | $1,764.11 (maximum) | $3,528.22 |
2026 vs. 2025 rates
The rate depends on the date you were hurt, not the date you file. The DWC raised both limits on January 1, 2026, in line with the change in the state average weekly wage.
| Injury date | Minimum / week | Maximum / week |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2026 | $264.61 | $1,764.11 |
| Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2025 | $252.03 | $1,680.29 |
Common questions
Is California workers' comp taxable?
Workers' compensation for a job injury or illness is not subject to federal income tax. IRS Publication 525 lists it as exempt. So a $586 weekly check is close to what you actually keep, which is why two-thirds of gross pay often feels closer to your old take-home pay than you'd expect.
Are the first three days paid?
Only if you're off work more than 14 days or admitted to a hospital as an inpatient. Then temporary disability is paid from the first day. The day you were hurt counts toward the three days unless your employer paid you full wages for it.
Does the 2026 maximum apply if I was hurt in 2025?
Usually not. You get the 2025 limits ($252.03 to $1,680.29). The exception is temporary disability paid two or more years after the injury, which uses the rate in effect when it's paid.
Who sets my official rate?
Your employer's claims administrator. If you think the rate is wrong, the DWC Information & Assistance unit answers questions for free.
What people run into
These questions come up again and again in online forums. Here's what the law says.
The first temporary disability payment is due within 14 days after the employer knows about the injury and the disability, then every two weeks. A late payment is automatically increased by 10%, with some exceptions. See late or stopped payments.
Labor Code §4650
For injuries since 2008, temporary disability is limited to 104 paid weeks within five years of the injury, or 240 weeks for injuries like amputations, severe burns, and certain eye and lung conditions. See what happens after 104 weeks.
Labor Code §4656(c)
Your employer must give you a claim form (DWC-1) within one working day of learning of an injury that needs more than first aid. Once you file it, the employer has 90 days to deny the claim, or the injury is presumed compensable.
Labor Code §§5401, 5402
Sources
This calculator gives an estimate based on California's published rates and formulas. It is not legal advice and is not affiliated with the State of California or the Division of Workers' Compensation. Your claims administrator calculates your official benefit.