Kentucky Workers' Compensation Benefits
Kentucky's workers' compensation system pays 66.67% of your average weekly wage, up to a state maximum of $1,070/week for temporary total disability. Use the calculators below to estimate your weekly benefit, your permanent disability award, and the lump-sum settlement value of your claim.
Kentucky benefit snapshot
- Max weekly TTD
- $1,070
- Min weekly TTD
- $163
- Wage replacement
- 66.67%
- Effective
- 2026
How Kentucky workers' comp benefits are calculated
Kentucky multiplies your average weekly wage (AWW) by 66.67% to determine your weekly wage-replacement benefit. The result is capped at the state maximum of $1,070 per week. A statutory minimum of $163 also applies (or your full AWW if lower).
Your AWW typically reflects gross earnings over the 52 weeks before the injury, including overtime, bonuses, and (in many states) earnings from a second job. Permanent disability awards in Kentucky are then calculated by multiplying this weekly rate by a scheduled number of weeks for the affected body part and your impairment percentage.
Weekly benefit examples in Kentucky
| Average weekly wage | Weekly TTD (66.67%) | Annual | At state cap? |
|---|---|---|---|
| $600 | $400 | $20,801 | No |
| $900 | $600 | $31,202 | No |
| $1,200 | $800 | $41,602 | No |
| $1,800 | $1,070 | $55,640 | Yes |
| $2,500 | $1,070 | $55,640 | Yes |
What affects your Kentucky settlement value
- Average weekly wage and resulting weekly TTD rate.
- Permanent impairment rating and the affected body part's scheduled weeks.
- Past and projected future medical costs (including any Medicare set-aside).
- Whether you have legal representation — represented claims settle ~30–40% higher.
- Whether the claim is disputed or has compensability issues.
- Pre-existing conditions or prior injuries to the same body part.
- Your ability to return to work in the same or modified capacity.
Kentucky workers' comp FAQ
What is the maximum weekly workers' comp benefit in Kentucky?+
The current maximum TTD rate in Kentucky is $1,070 per week.
How is the weekly workers' comp rate calculated in Kentucky?+
Kentucky pays 66.67% of your average weekly wage (AWW), capped at $1,070 per week.
What is the minimum workers' comp benefit in Kentucky?+
Kentucky sets a minimum weekly TTD benefit of $163 (or your full AWW if lower).
How long can I receive TTD benefits in Kentucky?+
TTD continues until you return to work, are released by your treating physician, or reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI). Kentucky also caps the total number of TTD weeks under state statute.
Are workers' comp benefits taxable in Kentucky?+
No. Workers' compensation benefits in Kentucky are exempt from federal and state income tax.
Can I see my own doctor in Kentucky?+
Treating-physician choice rules vary by state. In many states the employer or insurer chooses the initial physician; some states allow the worker to select their own. Check the Kentucky workers' comp board for your specific rights.
What if my Kentucky employer is underpaying me?+
Insurance carriers commonly miscalculate AWW by excluding overtime, bonuses, or secondary income. If your weekly check ($800 for an AWW of $1,200) appears low, request the carrier's AWW worksheet and consult a Kentucky workers' comp attorney.
Get a Free Kentucky Workers' Comp Claim Review
Workers' comp attorneys in Kentucky work on contingency — you pay nothing unless they win.
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Workers' comp calculators by state
These calculations are estimates based on your inputs and general workers' compensation formulas. Actual benefits depend on state law, your specific injury, employer insurance carrier, and other factors. This is not legal advice. Consult a licensed workers' compensation attorney for guidance specific to your claim.