How much does workers' comp pay in Montana?
- Montana temporary total pays 66⅔% of wages at injury, capped at the state average weekly wage: $1,192 for injuries July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027 (derived from the official state average), $1,137 for July 2025 – June 2026.
- There is no statutory dollar minimum.
- At $1,200 AWW the rate is $800.
Official-source review: . General guidance, not legal advice.
Calculate Montana 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.
Montana permanent-award rules: what actually drives the payout
- Montana converts every impairment to a whole-person rating; there is no arm or leg week schedule.
- An impairment-only award = whole-person % × 400 weeks × 66⅔% of AWW, capped at 50% of the state average: $596 a week from July 2026, $568.50 for July 2025 – June 2026.
- A 10% rating at $1,200 AWW is 40 weeks × $596 = $23,840.
- Without actual wage loss, a Class 2 or greater impairment is required; with wage loss, age, education and work factors can increase the rating.
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.
| Award basis | Full-loss / full-person weeks |
|---|---|
| Whole person (400 weeks) | 400 |
How to evaluate a Montana settlement
- Montana settlements are submitted to the Department of Labor and Industry for approval.
- Medical can be reserved or closed; closing accepted-claim medical needs a best-interest explanation and medical documentation.
- 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.
Montana workers' compensation rates by injury date
Dated rate history from official Montana sources, reviewed . Looking for employer premiums? See workers' comp insurance cost by state.
| Injury period | Weekly maximum | Minimum basis |
|---|---|---|
| July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027 | $1,192.00 | No fixed TTD minimum modeled |
| July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026 | $1,137.00 | No fixed TTD minimum modeled |
| July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025 | $1,084.00 | No fixed TTD minimum modeled |
Montana PPD is capped at 50% of the state average weekly wage: $596 (July 2026 – June 2027), $568.50 (July 2025 – June 2026), $542 (July 2024 – June 2025).
Reporting, filing and official sources
- Notify your employer within 30 days.
- File a signed claim with the insurer or the Department within 12 months of the accident.
Montana benefit questions
How much does workers' comp pay in Montana?+
Montana temporary total pays 66⅔% of wages at injury, capped at the state average weekly wage: $1,192 for injuries July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027 (derived from the official state average), $1,137 for July 2025 – June 2026. There is no statutory dollar minimum. At $1,200 AWW the rate is $800.
How do permanent disability benefits work in Montana?+
Montana converts every impairment to a whole-person rating; there is no arm or leg week schedule. An impairment-only award = whole-person % × 400 weeks × 66⅔% of AWW, capped at 50% of the state average: $596 a week from July 2026, $568.50 for July 2025 – June 2026. A 10% rating at $1,200 AWW is 40 weeks × $596 = $23,840. Without actual wage loss, a Class 2 or greater impairment is required; with wage loss, age, education and work factors can increase the rating.
Can a Montana settlement close future medical care?+
Montana settlements are submitted to the Department of Labor and Industry for approval. Medical can be reserved or closed; closing accepted-claim medical needs a best-interest explanation and medical documentation.
What are the reporting and filing deadlines in Montana?+
Notify your employer within 30 days. File a signed claim with the insurer or the Department within 12 months of the accident.
Does Montana medical coverage end automatically?+
For current injuries, medical benefits generally close 60 months after the injury, subject to statutory exceptions and reopening.
Does any Montana impairment rating create an award?+
No. Without wage loss, an impairment-only award requires a Class 2 or greater impairment.
Can a Montana job offer end TTD before I heal?+
Yes. A release to suitable work, including qualifying same-employer work at equal or higher wages, can end TTD.
Does surgery guarantee a larger Montana 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 Montana 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 Montana 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 Montana 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 Montana 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.