How much does workers' comp pay in Massachusetts?
- Massachusetts §34 temporary total pays 60% of average weekly wage for up to 156 weeks.
- For injuries October 1, 2025–September 30, 2026 the maximum is $1,922.48 and the minimum $384.50; from October 1, 2026 they are $2,007.20 and $401.44.
- If AWW is below the minimum, benefits equal AWW.
- At $1,200 AWW the rate is $720.
Official-source review: . General guidance, not legal advice.
Calculate Massachusetts ordinary total-disability pay
Estimated weekly TTD
$720.00
Assumes full temporary disability and a correct AWW. Does not establish eligibility, apply waiting periods or offsets, or model partial disability.
Massachusetts permanent-award rules: what actually drives the payout
- Massachusetts §36 loss-of-function benefits are a one-time payment on top of other compensation.
- Each body part or loss has its own statutory multiplier of the state average weekly wage on the injury date — total loss of an eye, for example, is 39 × SAWW — with partial losses paid proportionally.
- There is no single 'percentage × 3 × SAWW' formula, so this page does not convert a rating into dollars.
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 Massachusetts settlement
- A lump-sum settlement requires review and approval, and a judge must find it in the worker's best interest in specified cases including unrepresented workers.
- When liability was accepted or decided, a settlement cannot close medical or vocational rehabilitation benefits; disputed-liability settlements differ.
- 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.
Massachusetts workers' compensation rates by injury date
Dated rate history from official Massachusetts sources, reviewed . Looking for employer premiums? See workers' comp insurance cost by state.
| Injury period | Weekly maximum | Minimum basis |
|---|---|---|
| October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027 | $2,007.20 | $401.44; no more than actual wages |
| October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026 | $1,922.48 | $384.50; no more than actual wages |
| October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2025 | $1,829.13 | $365.83; no more than actual wages |
Massachusetts §34 pays 60% of AWW for up to 156 weeks. Rates change every October 1.
Reporting, filing and official sources
- Notify the employer as soon as practicable.
- A claim generally must be filed within four years after you become aware the disability is related to work; payments or filings can toll the limit.
Massachusetts benefit questions
How much does workers' comp pay in Massachusetts?+
Massachusetts §34 temporary total pays 60% of average weekly wage for up to 156 weeks. For injuries October 1, 2025–September 30, 2026 the maximum is $1,922.48 and the minimum $384.50; from October 1, 2026 they are $2,007.20 and $401.44. If AWW is below the minimum, benefits equal AWW. At $1,200 AWW the rate is $720.
How do permanent disability benefits work in Massachusetts?+
Massachusetts §36 loss-of-function benefits are a one-time payment on top of other compensation. Each body part or loss has its own statutory multiplier of the state average weekly wage on the injury date — total loss of an eye, for example, is 39 × SAWW — with partial losses paid proportionally. There is no single 'percentage × 3 × SAWW' formula, so this page does not convert a rating into dollars.
Can a Massachusetts settlement close future medical care?+
A lump-sum settlement requires review and approval, and a judge must find it in the worker's best interest in specified cases including unrepresented workers. When liability was accepted or decided, a settlement cannot close medical or vocational rehabilitation benefits; disputed-liability settlements differ.
What are the reporting and filing deadlines in Massachusetts?+
Notify the employer as soon as practicable. A claim generally must be filed within four years after you become aware the disability is related to work; payments or filings can toll the limit.
How long does Massachusetts temporary total disability last?+
Up to 156 weeks under §34. Partial disability under §35 and permanent total under §34A have separate rules.
Does a Massachusetts §36 award replace my weekly checks?+
No. Loss-of-function benefits are paid in addition to other compensation.
Does a Massachusetts lump sum close my medical care?+
Not when liability was accepted or decided — medical and vocational rehabilitation stay open. Disputed-liability settlements follow different rules.
When do Massachusetts rates change?+
Every October 1. The rate is fixed by the date of injury.
Does surgery guarantee a larger Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts 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.