How much does workers' comp pay in Kentucky?
- Kentucky TTD pays two-thirds of average weekly wages.
- For 2026 injuries the maximum is $1,277.99 and the minimum $232.36; for 2025 injuries, $1,231.22 and $223.86.
- At $1,200 AWW the rate is $800.
Official-source review: . General guidance, not legal advice.
Calculate Kentucky ordinary total-disability pay
Estimated weekly TTD
$800.00
Assumes full temporary disability and a correct AWW. Does not establish eligibility, apply waiting periods or offsets, or model partial disability.
Kentucky permanent-award rules: what actually drives the payout
- Kentucky PPD has no arm, leg or hand week schedule.
- It uses the AMA whole-person impairment rating times a statutory factor (0.65 for 0–5%, 0.85 for 6–10%, 1.00 for 11–20%, rising to 1.70 above 35%), times two-thirds AWW capped at $958.49 for 2026 injuries.
- It is paid for 425 weeks, or 520 weeks if the disability rating exceeds 50%.
- At $1,200 AWW, a 10% rating is $68 a week for 425 weeks: $28,900.
Medical impairment, legal disability and loss of earning capacity are different measurements. Use the established award category and applicable rate before doing dollar arithmetic. Do not borrow a rating from Social Security, the VA or another state.
How to evaluate a Kentucky settlement
- A Kentucky settlement must be signed, filed and approved by an administrative law judge, normally on Form 110.
- Future medical care closes only through an express approved medical buyout or waiver, not automatically with an income settlement.
- Check the wage worksheet, award classification, rating evidence and unpaid benefits.
- Identify exactly which medical conditions, future treatment and wage-loss rights are released.
- Separate gross value from prior payments, approved fees, liens and other adjustments.
- Review Medicare and Social Security coordination when relevant; a medical allocation is not an automatic settlement multiplier.
Kentucky workers' compensation rates by injury date
Dated rate history from official Kentucky sources, reviewed . Looking for employer premiums? See workers' comp insurance cost by state.
| Injury period | Weekly maximum | Minimum basis |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 – December 31, 2026 | $1,277.99 | $232.36; no more than actual wages |
| January 1 – December 31, 2025 | $1,231.22 | $223.86; no more than actual wages |
Ordinary 2026 PPD is capped at $958.49 per week ($923.41 for 2025), separate from the TTD maximum.
Reporting, filing and official sources
- Give notice as soon as practicable.
- File a claim within two years of the accident or two years after income payments stop, whichever is later.
- Cumulative trauma and occupational disease follow separate rules.
Kentucky benefit questions
How much does workers' comp pay in Kentucky?+
Kentucky TTD pays two-thirds of average weekly wages. For 2026 injuries the maximum is $1,277.99 and the minimum $232.36; for 2025 injuries, $1,231.22 and $223.86. At $1,200 AWW the rate is $800.
How do permanent disability benefits work in Kentucky?+
Kentucky PPD has no arm, leg or hand week schedule. It uses the AMA whole-person impairment rating times a statutory factor (0.65 for 0–5%, 0.85 for 6–10%, 1.00 for 11–20%, rising to 1.70 above 35%), times two-thirds AWW capped at $958.49 for 2026 injuries. It is paid for 425 weeks, or 520 weeks if the disability rating exceeds 50%. At $1,200 AWW, a 10% rating is $68 a week for 425 weeks: $28,900.
Can a Kentucky settlement close future medical care?+
A Kentucky settlement must be signed, filed and approved by an administrative law judge, normally on Form 110. Future medical care closes only through an express approved medical buyout or waiver, not automatically with an income settlement.
What are the reporting and filing deadlines in Kentucky?+
Give notice as soon as practicable. File a claim within two years of the accident or two years after income payments stop, whichever is later. Cumulative trauma and occupational disease follow separate rules.
What is the Kentucky 3x multiplier?+
If you cannot physically return to the type of work you did when injured, the base PPD can be multiplied by 3, with additions for age 50 or older and limited education. A separate 2x multiplier can apply during qualifying periods after returning at equal or higher wages. They are not automatically stacked, and the calculator shows the base award only.
When do Kentucky income benefits end?+
Income benefits generally stop at age 70 or four years after the injury or last exposure, whichever is later. This can shorten a 425- or 520-week award.
Is the Kentucky TTD cap the PPD cap?+
No. Ordinary 2026 PPD is capped at $958.49 a week, while TTD is capped at $1,277.99. The higher figure applies to PPD only when the 3x enhancement qualifies.
Does surgery guarantee a larger Kentucky settlement?+
No. Surgery can change treatment costs, restrictions and medical evidence, but there is no automatic surgery multiplier. Permanent disability must be established under the applicable rules. Compare the benefits released and future care needs, not just the procedure name.
Are Kentucky workers' comp benefits taxable?+
Benefits paid under a workers' compensation law for an occupational injury or illness are generally excluded from federal income tax. Returned-to-work wages, retirement payments and Social Security offsets can have different tax treatment. Review IRS Publication 525 and seek tax advice for the agreement's allocations.
Can I receive pain and suffering through Kentucky workers' comp?+
Workers' compensation generally does not award pain and suffering. A separate claim against a responsible third party may allow different damages, but employer immunity and reimbursement rights need separate legal review.
When should I compare a Kentucky settlement offer?+
Compare an offer after understanding the wage calculation, medical condition, permanent-award category, unpaid benefits and rights released. There is no guaranteed settlement timeline. A bigger lump sum may be worse if it transfers expensive future treatment to you.
Where can I verify my Kentucky benefit rate?+
Use the official agency resources linked on this page and the written rate calculation in your claim. Injury date, benefit category, wage records and applicable limits matter. An entered rate is not independently verified by this calculator.
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.