South Dakota Workers' Compensation Benefits
South Dakota's workers' compensation system pays 66.67% of your average weekly wage, up to a state maximum of $1,068/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.
South Dakota benefit snapshot
- Max weekly TTD
- $1,068
- Min weekly TTD
- —
- Wage replacement
- 66.67%
- Effective
- 2026
How South Dakota workers' comp benefits are calculated
South Dakota 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 $1,068 per week.
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 South Dakota 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 South Dakota
| 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 | $1,068 | $55,536 | Yes |
| $2,500 | $1,068 | $55,536 | Yes |
What affects your South Dakota 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.
South Dakota workers' comp FAQ
What is the maximum weekly workers' comp benefit in South Dakota?+
The current maximum TTD rate in South Dakota is $1,068 per week.
How is the weekly workers' comp rate calculated in South Dakota?+
South Dakota pays 66.67% of your average weekly wage (AWW), capped at $1,068 per week.
What is the minimum workers' comp benefit in South Dakota?+
South Dakota does not set a fixed statutory minimum weekly TTD benefit.
How long can I receive TTD benefits in South Dakota?+
TTD continues until you return to work, are released by your treating physician, or reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI). South Dakota also caps the total number of TTD weeks under state statute.
Are workers' comp benefits taxable in South Dakota?+
No. Workers' compensation benefits in South Dakota are exempt from federal and state income tax.
Can I see my own doctor in South Dakota?+
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 South Dakota workers' comp board for your specific rights.
What if my South Dakota 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 South Dakota workers' comp attorney.
Get a Free South Dakota Workers' Comp Claim Review
Workers' comp attorneys in South Dakota work on contingency — you pay nothing unless they win.
Get a Free South Dakota Claim Review →Is your South Dakota insurance carrier underpaying you?
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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.