South Carolina Workers' Comp Benefits Calculator 2026
Injured at work in South Carolina? You may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits. South Carolina pays 66.7% of your average weekly wage as a weekly benefit, up to a maximum of $1,032/week. Use our free calculator below to estimate your weekly workers' comp benefit in 60 seconds — no email required.
South Carolina employers with 4+ employees must carry coverage. Benefits can last up to 500 weeks.
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.
South Carolina Workers' Comp Key Facts — 2026
| Maximum Weekly Benefit | $1,032/week |
| Minimum Weekly Benefit | $75/week |
| Benefit Rate | 66.7% of AWW |
| Waiting Period | 7 days |
| Retroactive After | 14 days |
| Filing Deadline | 730 days from injury |
| Max Duration (TTD) | 500 weeks |
| State Average Weekly Wage | $916/week |
| WC Board Phone | 1-803-737-5700 |
Source: South Carolina Workers' Compensation Board. Rates effective 2026.
Workers' Compensation in South Carolina: Key Numbers for 2026
State Avg Weekly Wage
$916
Max Weekly Benefit
$1,032
Benefit Rate
66.7%
Max Duration
500w
Common Workplace Injuries in South Carolina — Average Compensation
Based on South Carolina's average weekly wage of $916 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 | $12,657 | $18,321 | $30,978 |
| Shoulder Injury | $10,326 | $13,435 | $23,761 |
| Knee Injury | $8,993 | $10,993 | $19,986 |
| Neck / Whiplash | $7,661 | $9,771 | $17,432 |
| Carpal Tunnel / Wrist | $4,663 | $6,718 | $11,381 |
| Fracture (Arm/Leg) | $6,162 | $8,550 | $14,712 |
| Head / Concussion | $11,492 | $14,657 | $26,149 |
Estimates based on South Carolina 2026 workers' comp benefit rate (66.7% of AWW, capped at $1,032/week) and NCCI injury cost data. Actual compensation varies based on injury severity, impairment rating, and medical documentation.
How Much is Workers' Comp in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, workers' comp pays 66.7% of your average weekly wage, up to a maximum of $1,032/week. The minimum weekly benefit is $75/week.South Carolina has a 7-day waiting period before benefits begin, and TTD benefits can last up to 500 weeks.
South Carolina Workers' Compensation Rates 2026
Workers' comp insurance rates in South Carolina 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 South Carolina?
The cost of workers compensation insurance in South Carolina depends on three factors: your industry class code, your total annual payroll, and your experience modification rate. Here's what typical South Carolina businesses pay annually for $100,000 in payroll:
| Industry | Annual Cost per $100K Payroll |
|---|---|
| Office / Clerical | $290 |
| Retail / Sales | $710 |
| Restaurant / Food Service | $1,250 |
| Healthcare | $1,460 |
| Manufacturing | $2,330 |
| Warehouse / Logistics | $3,210 |
| Construction (General) | $4,580 |
| Roofing (Highest Class) | $10,410 |
*Per-employee estimate based on South Carolina's average weekly wage of $916. 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 South Carolina
In South Carolina, workers' comp benefits are 66.67% of your average weekly wage. The maximum weekly benefit is $1,032 and the minimum is $75. If you earn $1,200 per week, your benefit would be $1,200 x 66.67% = $800 per week. This falls under the South Carolina maximum.
South Carolina has a 7-day waiting period. If your disability lasts more than 14 days, those first 7 days are paid retroactively. TTD benefits can last up to 500 weeks (about 9.6 years), one of the longest durations in the country.
South Carolina's long benefit duration is a significant advantage for workers with serious injuries. Benefits are tax-free.
South Carolina Workers' Comp Laws You Must Know
- •South Carolina employers with 4 or more employees must carry workers' comp insurance.
- •In South Carolina, the employer selects a panel of doctors for the injured worker.
- •South Carolina has a 2-year statute of limitations for filing claims.
- •TTD benefits can last up to 500 weeks in South Carolina.
- •Benefits are 66.67% of AWW, up to $1,032 per week.
- •South Carolina covers both injuries and occupational diseases.
- •Employers cannot retaliate against workers who file claims in South Carolina.
How to File a Workers' Comp Claim in South Carolina
- 1Report your injury to your employer within 90 days of the accident.
- 2Choose a doctor from the panel of physicians provided by your employer.
- 3Your employer must file a report with their insurer and the South Carolina Workers' Compensation Commission.
- 4The insurer will accept or deny the claim. Benefits start after the 7-day waiting period.
- 5If denied, file a claim with the SC Workers' Compensation Commission at 1-803-737-5700.
Need help filing? Visit the South Carolina Workers' Comp Board or call 1-803-737-5700 for assistance.
Special Rules in South Carolina
- ⚠Employers with 4+ employees must have coverage
- ⚠Employer selects panel of doctors
- ⚠2-year statute of limitations
- ⚠Up to 500 weeks of TTD benefits
Average Workers' Comp Settlement in South Carolina
Settlement amounts in South Carolina 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 South Carolina Workers' Compensation Board.
Find a Workers' Comp Attorney in South Carolina
Need Legal Help With Your South Carolina 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.
South Carolina Workers' Comp FAQ
South Carolina employers with 4+ employees must carry coverage. Benefits can last up to 500 weeks.
Workers' Comp in Nearby States
Legal Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates only and is not legal advice. Workers' compensation laws and benefit amounts in South Carolina change frequently. Consult a licensed workers' compensation attorney in South Carolina 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 South Carolina 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.