Washington D.C. Workers' Comp Benefits Calculator 2026
Injured at work in Washington D.C.? You may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits. Washington D.C. pays 66.7% of your average weekly wage as a weekly benefit, up to a maximum of $1,950/week. Use our free calculator below to estimate your weekly workers' comp benefit in 60 seconds — no email required.
Washington D.C. has the highest maximum weekly benefit in the nation at $1,950/week. All employers must carry coverage.
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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.
Washington D.C. Workers' Comp Key Facts — 2026
| Maximum Weekly Benefit | $1,950/week |
| Minimum Weekly Benefit | $390/week |
| Benefit Rate | 66.7% of AWW |
| Waiting Period | 3 days |
| Retroactive After | 14 days |
| Filing Deadline | 365 days from injury |
| Max Duration (TTD) | 500 weeks |
| State Average Weekly Wage | $1,950/week |
| WC Board Phone | 1-202-671-1000 |
Source: Washington D.C. Workers' Compensation Board. Rates effective 2026.
Workers' Compensation in Washington D.C.: Key Numbers for 2026
State Avg Weekly Wage
$1,950
Max Weekly Benefit
$1,950
Benefit Rate
66.7%
Max Duration
500w
Common Workplace Injuries in Washington D.C. — Average Compensation
Based on Washington D.C.'s average weekly wage of $1,950 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 | $26,945 | $39,002 | $65,947 |
| Shoulder Injury | $21,982 | $28,601 | $50,583 |
| Knee Injury | $19,145 | $23,401 | $42,546 |
| Neck / Whiplash | $16,309 | $20,801 | $37,110 |
| Carpal Tunnel / Wrist | $9,927 | $14,301 | $24,228 |
| Fracture (Arm/Leg) | $13,118 | $18,201 | $31,319 |
| Head / Concussion | $24,464 | $31,202 | $55,666 |
Estimates based on Washington D.C. 2026 workers' comp benefit rate (66.7% of AWW, capped at $1,950/week) and NCCI injury cost data. Actual compensation varies based on injury severity, impairment rating, and medical documentation.
How Much is Workers' Comp in Washington D.C.?
In Washington D.C., workers' comp pays 66.7% of your average weekly wage, up to a maximum of $1,950/week. The minimum weekly benefit is $390/week.Washington D.C. has a 3-day waiting period before benefits begin, and TTD benefits can last up to 500 weeks.
Washington D.C. Workers' Compensation Rates 2026
Workers' comp insurance rates in Washington D.C. 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 Washington D.C.?
The cost of workers compensation insurance in Washington D.C. depends on three factors: your industry class code, your total annual payroll, and your experience modification rate. Here's what typical Washington D.C. businesses pay annually for $100,000 in payroll:
| Industry | Annual Cost per $100K Payroll |
|---|---|
| Office / Clerical | $620 |
| Retail / Sales | $1,510 |
| Restaurant / Food Service | $2,660 |
| Healthcare | $3,100 |
| Manufacturing | $4,960 |
| Warehouse / Logistics | $6,830 |
| Construction (General) | $9,750 |
| Roofing (Highest Class) | $22,160 |
*Per-employee estimate based on Washington D.C.'s average weekly wage of $1,950. 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 Washington D.C.
In Washington D.C., workers' comp benefits are 66.67% of your average weekly wage. D.C. has the highest maximum weekly benefit in the nation at $1,950 per week, and the minimum is $390. If you earn $1,200 per week, your benefit would be $1,200 x 66.67% = $800 per week. This is well under D.C.'s very generous cap.
Washington D.C. has a 3-day waiting period. If your disability lasts more than 14 days, those first 3 days are paid retroactively. TTD benefits can last up to 500 weeks (about 9.6 years), one of the longest durations in the nation.
D.C.'s combination of the nation's highest maximum benefit and a very long benefit duration makes it one of the most generous workers' comp systems in the country. Benefits are tax-free.
Washington D.C. Workers' Comp Laws You Must Know
- •All employers in Washington D.C. must carry workers' comp insurance.
- •D.C. has the highest maximum weekly benefit in the nation at $1,950.
- •Employees in D.C. can choose their own treating physician.
- •D.C. has a 1-year statute of limitations for filing claims.
- •TTD benefits can last up to 500 weeks in D.C.
- •Benefits are 66.67% of AWW.
- •D.C. covers both workplace injuries and occupational diseases.
How to File a Workers' Comp Claim in Washington D.C.
- 1Report your injury to your employer within 30 days of the accident.
- 2See a doctor of your choosing. D.C. allows you to pick your own physician.
- 3File a claim with the D.C. Office of Workers' Compensation (OWC) within 1 year.
- 4The insurer will accept or deny the claim. Benefits start after the 3-day waiting period.
- 5If denied, request a hearing through the OWC. Call 1-202-671-1000 for guidance.
Need help filing? Visit the Washington D.C. Workers' Comp Board or call 1-202-671-1000 for assistance.
Special Rules in Washington D.C.
- ⚠Highest maximum weekly benefit in the nation
- ⚠All employers must carry coverage
- ⚠Employee can choose own doctor
- ⚠1-year statute of limitations
- ⚠Up to 500 weeks of TTD benefits
Average Workers' Comp Settlement in Washington D.C.
Settlement amounts in Washington D.C. 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 Washington D.C. Workers' Compensation Board.
Find a Workers' Comp Attorney in Washington D.C.
Need Legal Help With Your Washington D.C. 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.
Washington D.C. Workers' Comp FAQ
Washington D.C. has the highest maximum weekly benefit in the nation at $1,950/week. All employers must carry coverage.
Workers' Comp in Nearby States
Legal Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates only and is not legal advice. Workers' compensation laws and benefit amounts in Washington D.C. change frequently. Consult a licensed workers' compensation attorney in Washington D.C. 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 Washington D.C. 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.