How much does workers' comp pay in New Jersey?
- New Jersey TTD pays 70% of average weekly wages, up to $1,199 a week for 2026 injuries with a $320 minimum ($1,159 and $309 for 2025).
- At $1,200 AWW the rate is $840.
Official-source review: . General guidance, not legal advice.
Calculate New Jersey ordinary total-disability pay
Estimated weekly TTD
$840.00
Assumes full temporary disability and a correct AWW. Does not establish eligibility, apply waiting periods or offsets, or model partial disability.
New Jersey permanent-award rules: what actually drives the payout
- New Jersey permanent partial disability multiplies the judge-determined disability percentage by scheduled weeks — arm 330, leg 315, hand 260 (300 at 25% or more), foot 250 (285 at 25% or more), and 600 weeks for partial total (non-scheduled) disability.
- Those weeks are paid at 70% of wages, limited by a graduated 2026 weekly maximum from $320 for awards up to 90 weeks to $1,199 for 421–600 weeks.
- A 10% arm award is 33 weeks at up to $320: $10,560.
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 |
|---|---|
| Partial total / non-scheduled | 600 |
| Arm | 330 |
| Leg | 315 |
| Hand (300 weeks at 25%+) | 260 |
| Foot (285 weeks at 25%+) | 250 |
How to evaluate a New Jersey settlement
- Most New Jersey disability claims resolve through an Order Approving Settlement that can leave medical rights open for reopening.
- A Section 20 settlement is a complete release, including future medical; it requires a filed petition, an attorney, a genuine dispute and a judge's finding that it is fair and just.
- Attorney fees are capped at 25% of the award, as approved by the judge.
- 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.
New Jersey workers' compensation rates by injury date
Dated rate history from official New Jersey sources, reviewed . Looking for employer premiums? See workers' comp insurance cost by state.
| Injury period | Weekly maximum | Minimum basis |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 – December 31, 2026 | $1,199.00 | $320.00; no more than actual wages |
| January 1 – December 31, 2025 | $1,159.00 | $309.00; no more than actual wages |
Reporting, filing and official sources
- Notify the employer promptly; 14 days preserves benefits from the start, and notice beyond 90 days can bar the claim unless an exception applies.
- File a formal claim petition within two years of the injury or the last compensation payment, including authorized treatment, whichever is later.
- An informal hearing does not stop the clock.
New Jersey benefit questions
How much does workers' comp pay in New Jersey?+
New Jersey TTD pays 70% of average weekly wages, up to $1,199 a week for 2026 injuries with a $320 minimum ($1,159 and $309 for 2025). At $1,200 AWW the rate is $840.
How do permanent disability benefits work in New Jersey?+
New Jersey permanent partial disability multiplies the judge-determined disability percentage by scheduled weeks — arm 330, leg 315, hand 260 (300 at 25% or more), foot 250 (285 at 25% or more), and 600 weeks for partial total (non-scheduled) disability. Those weeks are paid at 70% of wages, limited by a graduated 2026 weekly maximum from $320 for awards up to 90 weeks to $1,199 for 421–600 weeks. A 10% arm award is 33 weeks at up to $320: $10,560.
Can a New Jersey settlement close future medical care?+
Most New Jersey disability claims resolve through an Order Approving Settlement that can leave medical rights open for reopening. A Section 20 settlement is a complete release, including future medical; it requires a filed petition, an attorney, a genuine dispute and a judge's finding that it is fair and just. Attorney fees are capped at 25% of the award, as approved by the judge.
What are the reporting and filing deadlines in New Jersey?+
Notify the employer promptly; 14 days preserves benefits from the start, and notice beyond 90 days can bar the claim unless an exception applies. File a formal claim petition within two years of the injury or the last compensation payment, including authorized treatment, whichever is later. An informal hearing does not stop the clock.
Why do small New Jersey awards pay a lower weekly rate?+
New Jersey PPD uses a graduated maximum tied to the size of the award. Awards up to 90 weeks are capped at $320 a week in 2026, while awards over 420 weeks can pay up to $1,199. Awards over 180 weeks use one rate throughout; smaller awards are graduated.
What are the 2026 New Jersey workers' comp rates?+
For injuries in 2026, New Jersey temporary total disability pays 70% of your average weekly wage, with a $1,199 weekly maximum and a $320 minimum. For 2025 injuries the limits were $1,159 and $309. Permanent partial awards use a graduated weekly maximum based on the number of award weeks.
What is a New Jersey Section 20 settlement?+
A Section 20 is a lump-sum, full and final settlement of a disputed claim. It closes future medical treatment and reopening rights, so it is different from an ordinary order approving settlement.
How much can a New Jersey workers' comp lawyer charge?+
Since August 2024 the fee is capped at 25% of the judgment and must be approved by the compensation judge.
Does surgery guarantee a larger New Jersey 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 New Jersey 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 New Jersey 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 New Jersey 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 New Jersey 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.