Illinois Workers' Comp Benefits Calculator 2026
Injured at work in Illinois? You may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits. Illinois pays 66.7% of your average weekly wage as a weekly benefit, up to a maximum of $1,775/week. Use our free calculator below to estimate your weekly workers' comp benefit in 60 seconds — no email required.
Illinois has some of the most worker-friendly comp laws. No limit on TTD duration (up to max medical improvement), and employees choose their own doctor.
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.
Illinois Workers' Comp Key Facts — 2026
| Maximum Weekly Benefit | $1,775/week |
| Minimum Weekly Benefit | $266/week |
| Benefit Rate | 66.7% of AWW |
| Waiting Period | 3 days |
| Retroactive After | 14 days |
| Filing Deadline | 1095 days from injury |
| Max Duration (TTD) | 500 weeks |
| State Average Weekly Wage | $1,366/week |
| WC Board Phone | 1-866-352-3033 |
Source: Illinois Workers' Compensation Board. Rates effective 2026.
Workers' Compensation in Illinois: Key Numbers for 2026
State Avg Weekly Wage
$1,366
Max Weekly Benefit
$1,775
Benefit Rate
66.7%
Max Duration
500w
Common Workplace Injuries in Illinois — Average Compensation
Based on Illinois's average weekly wage of $1,366 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 | $18,876 | $27,321 | $46,197 |
| Shoulder Injury | $15,399 | $20,036 | $35,435 |
| Knee Injury | $13,412 | $16,393 | $29,805 |
| Neck / Whiplash | $11,425 | $14,571 | $25,996 |
| Carpal Tunnel / Wrist | $6,954 | $10,018 | $16,972 |
| Fracture (Arm/Leg) | $9,189 | $12,750 | $21,939 |
| Head / Concussion | $17,137 | $21,857 | $38,994 |
Estimates based on Illinois 2026 workers' comp benefit rate (66.7% of AWW, capped at $1,775/week) and NCCI injury cost data. Actual compensation varies based on injury severity, impairment rating, and medical documentation.
How Much is Workers' Comp in Illinois?
In Illinois, workers' comp pays 66.7% of your average weekly wage, up to a maximum of $1,775/week. The minimum weekly benefit is $266/week.Illinois has a 3-day waiting period before benefits begin, and TTD benefits can last up to 500 weeks.
Illinois Workers' Compensation Rates 2026
Workers' comp insurance rates in Illinois 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 Illinois?
The cost of workers compensation insurance in Illinois depends on three factors: your industry class code, your total annual payroll, and your experience modification rate. Here's what typical Illinois businesses pay annually for $100,000 in payroll:
| Industry | Annual Cost per $100K Payroll |
|---|---|
| Office / Clerical | $430 |
| Retail / Sales | $1,060 |
| Restaurant / Food Service | $1,860 |
| Healthcare | $2,170 |
| Manufacturing | $3,480 |
| Warehouse / Logistics | $4,780 |
| Construction (General) | $6,830 |
| Roofing (Highest Class) | $15,520 |
*Per-employee estimate based on Illinois's average weekly wage of $1,366. 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 Illinois
In Illinois, workers' comp benefits are 66.67% of your average weekly wage. Illinois has one of the highest maximum weekly benefits at $1,775 and a minimum of $266. If you earn $1,200 per week, your benefit would be $1,200 x 66.67% = $800 per week, well within the generous Illinois caps.
Illinois has a 3-day waiting period. If your disability lasts more than 14 days, those 3 days are paid retroactively. One of the biggest advantages in Illinois is that there is no arbitrary limit on how long temporary total disability benefits can continue -- they last until you reach maximum medical improvement or return to work, with a very high theoretical cap of 500 weeks.
Illinois also has a 3-year statute of limitations, one of the longest in the country. Benefits are tax-free, and the state is known for strong worker protections.
Illinois Workers' Comp Laws You Must Know
- •All employers in Illinois must carry workers' comp insurance, regardless of size.
- •Illinois allows employees to choose their own treating physician -- you are not limited to the employer's doctor.
- •The statute of limitations for filing a workers' comp claim in Illinois is 3 years, one of the longest in the nation.
- •There is no arbitrary cap on TTD duration in Illinois -- benefits continue until maximum medical improvement.
- •The maximum weekly benefit in Illinois is $1,775.
- •Illinois provides strong anti-retaliation protections for workers who file claims.
- •Permanent partial disability in Illinois is calculated using a schedule of body parts and wage differential.
How to File a Workers' Comp Claim in Illinois
- 1Report your injury to your employer as soon as possible. Illinois requires you to provide notice within 45 days of the accident.
- 2Seek medical treatment from a doctor of your choosing. Illinois gives you the right to select your own physician.
- 3Your employer should report the injury to their insurance carrier and the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission (IWCC).
- 4The insurance company will investigate and accept or deny the claim. Benefits begin after the 3-day waiting period.
- 5If your claim is denied or disputed, you can file an application for adjustment of claim with the IWCC at 1-866-352-3033.
Need help filing? Visit the Illinois Workers' Comp Board or call 1-866-352-3033 for assistance.
Special Rules in Illinois
- ⚠All employers must have coverage
- ⚠Employee chooses their own doctor
- ⚠3-year statute of limitations
- ⚠No arbitrary limit on TTD duration
Average Workers' Comp Settlement in Illinois
Settlement amounts in Illinois 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 Illinois Workers' Compensation Board.
Find a Workers' Comp Attorney in Illinois
Need Legal Help With Your Illinois 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.
Illinois Workers' Comp FAQ
Illinois has some of the most worker-friendly comp laws. No limit on TTD duration (up to max medical improvement), and employees choose their own doctor.
Workers' Comp in Nearby States
Legal Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates only and is not legal advice. Workers' compensation laws and benefit amounts in Illinois change frequently. Consult a licensed workers' compensation attorney in Illinois 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 Illinois 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.