Kentucky Workers' Comp Benefits Calculator 2026
Injured at work in Kentucky? You may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits. Kentucky pays 66.7% of your average weekly wage as a weekly benefit, up to a maximum of $1,155/week. Use our free calculator below to estimate your weekly workers' comp benefit in 60 seconds — no email required.
Kentucky employers with 1+ employees must carry coverage. Benefits can reach up to 100% of SAWW for the maximum cap.
Your Situation
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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.
Kentucky Workers' Comp Key Facts — 2026
| Maximum Weekly Benefit | $1,155/week |
| Minimum Weekly Benefit | $198/week |
| Benefit Rate | 66.7% of AWW |
| Waiting Period | 7 days |
| Retroactive After | 15 days |
| Filing Deadline | 730 days from injury |
| Max Duration (TTD) | 104 weeks |
| State Average Weekly Wage | $990/week |
| WC Board Phone | 1-502-564-5550 |
Source: Kentucky Workers' Compensation Board. Rates effective 2026.
Workers' Compensation in Kentucky: Key Numbers for 2026
State Avg Weekly Wage
$990
Max Weekly Benefit
$1,155
Benefit Rate
66.7%
Max Duration
104w
Common Workplace Injuries in Kentucky — Average Compensation
Based on Kentucky's average weekly wage of $990 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 | $13,680 | $19,801 | $33,481 |
| Shoulder Injury | $11,160 | $14,521 | $25,681 |
| Knee Injury | $9,720 | $11,881 | $21,601 |
| Neck / Whiplash | $8,280 | $10,561 | $18,841 |
| Carpal Tunnel / Wrist | $5,040 | $7,260 | $12,300 |
| Fracture (Arm/Leg) | $6,660 | $9,240 | $15,900 |
| Head / Concussion | $12,420 | $15,841 | $28,261 |
Estimates based on Kentucky 2026 workers' comp benefit rate (66.7% of AWW, capped at $1,155/week) and NCCI injury cost data. Actual compensation varies based on injury severity, impairment rating, and medical documentation.
How Much is Workers' Comp in Kentucky?
In Kentucky, workers' comp pays 66.7% of your average weekly wage, up to a maximum of $1,155/week. The minimum weekly benefit is $198/week.Kentucky has a 7-day waiting period before benefits begin, and TTD benefits can last up to 104 weeks.
Kentucky Workers' Compensation Rates 2026
Workers' comp insurance rates in Kentucky 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 Kentucky?
The cost of workers compensation insurance in Kentucky depends on three factors: your industry class code, your total annual payroll, and your experience modification rate. Here's what typical Kentucky businesses pay annually for $100,000 in payroll:
| Industry | Annual Cost per $100K Payroll |
|---|---|
| Office / Clerical | $320 |
| Retail / Sales | $770 |
| Restaurant / Food Service | $1,350 |
| Healthcare | $1,580 |
| Manufacturing | $2,520 |
| Warehouse / Logistics | $3,470 |
| Construction (General) | $4,950 |
| Roofing (Highest Class) | $11,250 |
*Per-employee estimate based on Kentucky's average weekly wage of $990. 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 Kentucky
In Kentucky, workers' comp benefits are 66.67% of your average weekly wage. The maximum weekly benefit is $1,155 and the minimum is $198. If you earn $1,200 per week, your benefit would be $1,200 x 66.67% = $800 per week. Since $800 is below the Kentucky maximum, you would receive the full $800.
Kentucky has a 7-day waiting period. If your disability lasts more than 15 days (rather than the more common 14 or 21), those first 7 days are paid retroactively. Temporary total disability benefits can continue for up to 104 weeks.
Kentucky also has special provisions for coal workers, including black lung benefits. Workers' comp benefits in Kentucky are tax-free.
Kentucky Workers' Comp Laws You Must Know
- •All employers in Kentucky with 1 or more employees must carry workers' comp insurance.
- •Kentucky has a 2-year statute of limitations for filing workers' comp claims.
- •Injured workers in Kentucky may choose from an approved list of physicians provided by the employer.
- •The maximum weekly benefit in Kentucky is $1,155.
- •Kentucky has special black lung provisions for coal workers.
- •Benefits are 66.67% of AWW in Kentucky.
- •Employers cannot retaliate against employees who file workers' comp claims in Kentucky.
How to File a Workers' Comp Claim in Kentucky
- 1Report your injury to your employer as soon as possible.
- 2Choose a doctor from the employer's approved list. Kentucky allows you to select from this list.
- 3Your employer must file a First Report of Injury with the Kentucky Department of Workers' Claims.
- 4The insurer will investigate and accept or deny the claim. Benefits start after the 7-day waiting period.
- 5If denied, you can file a claim with the Kentucky Department of Workers' Claims at 1-502-564-5550.
Need help filing? Visit the Kentucky Workers' Comp Board or call 1-502-564-5550 for assistance.
Special Rules in Kentucky
- ⚠All employers with 1+ employee must have coverage
- ⚠Employee may choose from approved list
- ⚠2-year statute of limitations
- ⚠Coal workers have special black lung provisions
Average Workers' Comp Settlement in Kentucky
Settlement amounts in Kentucky 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 Kentucky Workers' Compensation Board.
Find a Workers' Comp Attorney in Kentucky
Need Legal Help With Your Kentucky 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.
Kentucky Workers' Comp FAQ
Kentucky employers with 1+ employees must carry coverage. Benefits can reach up to 100% of SAWW for the maximum cap.
Workers' Comp in Nearby States
Legal Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates only and is not legal advice. Workers' compensation laws and benefit amounts in Kentucky change frequently. Consult a licensed workers' compensation attorney in Kentucky 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 Kentucky 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.