Arkansas Workers' Comp Benefits Calculator 2026
Injured at work in Arkansas? You may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits. Arkansas pays 66.7% of your average weekly wage as a weekly benefit, up to a maximum of $815/week. Use our free calculator below to estimate your weekly workers' comp benefit in 60 seconds — no email required.
Arkansas employers with 3+ employees must carry coverage. The state has a 2-year statute of limitations for filing claims.
Your Situation
Tell us about your state and wages to calculate your benefits.
Optional — helps calculate your waiting period start date.
Your gross wages for the 13 weeks before injury, divided by 13. Include overtime, bonuses, and tips if they were regular.
Arkansas Workers' Comp Key Facts — 2026
| Maximum Weekly Benefit | $815/week |
| Minimum Weekly Benefit | $20/week |
| Benefit Rate | 66.7% of AWW |
| Waiting Period | 7 days |
| Retroactive After | 14 days |
| Filing Deadline | 730 days from injury |
| Max Duration (TTD) | 104 weeks |
| State Average Weekly Wage | $815/week |
| WC Board Phone | 1-800-622-4472 |
Source: Arkansas Workers' Compensation Board. Rates effective 2026.
Workers' Compensation in Arkansas: Key Numbers for 2026
State Avg Weekly Wage
$815
Max Weekly Benefit
$815
Benefit Rate
66.7%
Max Duration
104w
Common Workplace Injuries in Arkansas — Average Compensation
Based on Arkansas's average weekly wage of $815 and the state's 66.7% benefit rate, here are estimated compensation ranges for the most common workplace injuries:
| Injury Type | Avg Medical Cost | Avg Lost Wages | Typical Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Back / Spine Injury | $11,262 | $16,301 | $27,563 |
| Shoulder Injury | $9,187 | $11,954 | $21,141 |
| Knee Injury | $8,002 | $9,780 | $17,782 |
| Neck / Whiplash | $6,816 | $8,694 | $15,510 |
| Carpal Tunnel / Wrist | $4,149 | $5,977 | $10,126 |
| Fracture (Arm/Leg) | $5,483 | $7,607 | $13,090 |
| Head / Concussion | $10,225 | $13,041 | $23,266 |
Estimates based on Arkansas 2026 workers' comp benefit rate (66.7% of AWW, capped at $815/week) and NCCI injury cost data. Actual compensation varies based on injury severity, impairment rating, and medical documentation.
How Much is Workers' Comp in Arkansas?
In Arkansas, workers' comp pays 66.7% of your average weekly wage, up to a maximum of $815/week. The minimum weekly benefit is $20/week.Arkansas has a 7-day waiting period before benefits begin, and TTD benefits can last up to 104 weeks.
Arkansas Workers' Compensation Rates 2026
Workers' comp insurance rates in Arkansas vary by industry and job classification. Here are estimated rates per $100 of payroll:
| Job Category | Rate per $100 Payroll |
|---|---|
| Office / Clerical | $0.25 |
| Restaurant / Food Service | $1.50 |
| Healthcare / Nursing | $1.75 |
| Manufacturing | $2.50 |
| Trucking / Delivery | $4.50 |
| Construction (General) | $6.50 |
| Roofing | $12.00 |
Rates are estimates and vary by insurer, experience modifier, and specific classification code. Contact your insurance carrier for exact quotes.
How Much Does Workers Comp Cost Employers in Arkansas?
The cost of workers compensation insurance in Arkansas depends on three factors: your industry class code, your total annual payroll, and your experience modification rate. Here's what typical Arkansas businesses pay annually for $100,000 in payroll:
| Industry | Annual Cost per $100K Payroll |
|---|---|
| Office / Clerical | $260 |
| Retail / Sales | $630 |
| Restaurant / Food Service | $1,110 |
| Healthcare | $1,300 |
| Manufacturing | $2,070 |
| Warehouse / Logistics | $2,850 |
| Construction (General) | $4,080 |
| Roofing (Highest Class) | $9,260 |
*Per-employee estimate based on Arkansas's average weekly wage of $815. Your actual cost varies by carrier, experience modifier, and specific class code.
Need an exact quote? Our workers comp insurance cost calculator estimates your premium based on state, industry, payroll, employee count, and experience modifier.
How Workers' Comp Benefits Are Calculated in Arkansas
In Arkansas, workers' comp benefits are 66.67% of your average weekly wage. The maximum weekly benefit is $815 and the minimum is just $20. If you earn $1,200 per week, your calculated benefit is $1,200 x 66.67% = $800 per week. Since $800 falls under the $815 maximum, you would receive $800 per week in Arkansas.
Arkansas has a 7-day waiting period before benefits start. If you are disabled for more than 14 days, those first 7 days will be paid retroactively. Temporary total disability benefits can last up to 104 weeks.
Arkansas stands out with its very generous 2-year statute of limitations for filing claims, giving injured workers ample time to file. Benefits are tax-free, so your weekly check is not reduced by income taxes.
Arkansas Workers' Comp Laws You Must Know
- •Arkansas employers with 3 or more employees must carry workers' comp insurance.
- •The statute of limitations for filing a workers' comp claim in Arkansas is 2 years from the date of injury.
- •In Arkansas, the employer directs initial medical treatment, meaning they choose which doctor you see first.
- •Workers' comp benefits in Arkansas are 66.67% of your average weekly wage, up to a $815 maximum.
- •Arkansas law requires employers to post information about their workers' comp coverage in the workplace.
- •If you are partially disabled, Arkansas provides partial disability benefits based on the wage difference.
- •Arkansas prohibits employers from firing or retaliating against employees for filing workers' comp claims.
How to File a Workers' Comp Claim in Arkansas
- 1Notify your employer of your injury as soon as possible. In Arkansas, prompt reporting is important for your claim.
- 2Seek medical treatment from the provider directed by your employer or their insurance company. Arkansas gives employers the right to choose the initial treating doctor.
- 3Your employer must file a First Report of Injury with the Arkansas Workers' Compensation Commission (AWCC) and their insurance carrier.
- 4If your claim is accepted, benefits will start after the 7-day waiting period. If denied, you can file a claim with the AWCC at 1-800-622-4472.
- 5Attend all medical appointments and follow your doctor's treatment plan. Failure to do so could affect your benefits.
- 6If you disagree with any decision, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge at the AWCC.
Need help filing? Visit the Arkansas Workers' Comp Board or call 1-800-622-4472 for assistance.
Special Rules in Arkansas
- ⚠Employers with 3+ employees must have coverage
- ⚠2-year statute of limitations
- ⚠Employer directs initial medical treatment
Average Workers' Comp Settlement in Arkansas
Settlement amounts in Arkansas vary widely based on injury severity, disability rating, and medical costs. Workers with minor sprains typically settle for $10,000–$30,000, while those with herniated discs or surgical injuries can receive $50,000–$200,000 or more. Use our settlement calculator to estimate your specific case.
Related Resources
Settlement Calculator
Estimate your workers' comp settlement amount
Average Settlement Amounts
See average settlements by injury type and state
How Benefits Are Calculated
Step-by-step formula with examples
Claim Denied?
What to do if your workers' comp is denied
Last updated: April 2026. Data sourced from the Arkansas Workers' Compensation Board.
Find a Workers' Comp Attorney in Arkansas
Need Legal Help With Your Arkansas Claim?
If your claim was denied, your employer is disputing your injury, or you need help negotiating a fair settlement, a workers' comp attorney can help. Most offer free consultations and work on contingency — you pay nothing unless you win.
External link to Avvo attorney directory. WorkCompCalc does not endorse or recommend specific attorneys. Always research and interview attorneys before hiring.
Arkansas Workers' Comp FAQ
Arkansas employers with 3+ employees must carry coverage. The state has a 2-year statute of limitations for filing claims.
Workers' Comp in Nearby States
Legal Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates only and is not legal advice. Workers' compensation laws and benefit amounts in Arkansas change frequently. Consult a licensed workers' compensation attorney in Arkansas for advice about your specific situation. Actual benefits depend on your employer's insurance carrier, the nature of your injury, and state law. Data sourced from the Arkansas Workers' Compensation Board. Last updated: January 2026.
Medical disclaimer: Information on this page is for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.