California workers' comp calculator
California pays temporary disability at two-thirds of your average weekly earnings. For injuries in 2026 the Division of Workers' Compensation raised the weekly maximum to $1,764.11 and the minimum to $264.61, so a worker who earned about $2,650 or more a week gets the maximum, and a worker who earned less than about $397 gets the minimum.
The first three days off are not paid unless you are off more than 14 days or are admitted to a hospital. Temporary disability generally stops after 104 compensable weeks within five years of the injury. The calculator below applies all three rules and shows each step.
California rates by date of injury
| Injury dates | Weekly maximum | Weekly minimum | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-01-01 to 2026-12-31 | $1,764.11 | $264.61 | DWC Newsline 2025-116: TTD rates for 2026 |
| 2025-01-01 to 2025-12-31 | $1,680.29 | $252.03 | DWC Newsline 2025-116 (2025 figures) |
The rules this calculator applies
| Total disability | Two-thirds of average weekly earnings, with earnings held between the annual minimum and maximum. (Cal. Lab. Code §§4653, 4453(a)(10)) |
|---|---|
| How long | Up to 104 compensable weeks within 5 years of the injury date (longer for certain listed injuries). |
| Partial disability | Two-thirds of the weekly loss in wages, not above the TTD maximum. Counts toward the same 104-week cap as TTD. (Cal. Lab. Code §4654) |
| Waiting period | 3 days unpaid, paid back if the disability lasts more than 14 days (Cal. Lab. Code §4652) |
| Rate year | Calendar year (Jan 1 – Dec 31), by date of injury |
| Agency | Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC) |
Common questions in California
How much is California workers' comp per week in 2026?
Two-thirds of your average weekly earnings, never more than $1,764.11 and never less than $264.61 for injuries in 2026.
When is the first California TD check due?
The insurer generally has 14 days after it learns of the injury and your disability to send the first temporary disability payment. Late payments carry a 10% penalty.
Do I get paid for the first three days?
Only if your disability lasts more than 14 days or you are hospitalized as an inpatient.
Read the full guide: California workers' comp pay explained.