How much does workers' comp pay in Tennessee?
- Tennessee temporary total pays 66⅔% of average weekly wage.
- For injuries July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027 the maximum is $1,488.30 and the minimum $202.95; for July 2025–June 2026 they are $1,426.70 and $194.55.
- At $1,200 AWW the rate is $800.
- Rates follow the injury date.
Official-source review: . General guidance, not legal advice.
Calculate Tennessee 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.
Tennessee permanent-award rules: what actually drives the payout
- Tennessee converts every permanent impairment to a whole-person rating.
- The original award is rating × 450 weeks × the PPD rate (66⅔% of AWW, capped at $1,353 for July 2026–June 2027 injuries).
- A 10% rating at $1,200 AWW is 45 weeks × $800 = $36,000.
- There is no separate hand, arm, leg or eye schedule for current injuries.
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 (450 weeks) | 450 |
How to evaluate a Tennessee settlement
- A Court of Workers' Compensation Claims judge must approve a settlement.
- Future medical can remain open or be expressly closed for additional consideration; settling the money award does not have to end medical care.
- 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.
Tennessee workers' compensation rates by injury date
Dated rate history from official Tennessee 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 | $1,488.30 | $202.95; no more than actual wages |
| July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026 | $1,426.70 | $194.55; no more than actual wages |
| July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025 | $1,360.70 | $185.55; no more than actual wages |
Tennessee PPD maximums are lower than TTD: $1,353 (July 2026–June 2027), $1,297 (July 2025–June 2026) and $1,237 (July 2024–June 2025).
Reporting, filing and official sources
- Give your employer written notice within 15 days, subject to statutory excuses.
- File a Petition for Benefit Determination generally within one year of the injury, or one year after the last authorized treatment or payment when voluntary benefits were provided.
Tennessee benefit questions
How much does workers' comp pay in Tennessee?+
Tennessee temporary total pays 66⅔% of average weekly wage. For injuries July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027 the maximum is $1,488.30 and the minimum $202.95; for July 2025–June 2026 they are $1,426.70 and $194.55. At $1,200 AWW the rate is $800. Rates follow the injury date.
How do permanent disability benefits work in Tennessee?+
Tennessee converts every permanent impairment to a whole-person rating. The original award is rating × 450 weeks × the PPD rate (66⅔% of AWW, capped at $1,353 for July 2026–June 2027 injuries). A 10% rating at $1,200 AWW is 45 weeks × $800 = $36,000. There is no separate hand, arm, leg or eye schedule for current injuries.
Can a Tennessee settlement close future medical care?+
A Court of Workers' Compensation Claims judge must approve a settlement. Future medical can remain open or be expressly closed for additional consideration; settling the money award does not have to end medical care.
What are the reporting and filing deadlines in Tennessee?+
Give your employer written notice within 15 days, subject to statutory excuses. File a Petition for Benefit Determination generally within one year of the injury, or one year after the last authorized treatment or payment when voluntary benefits were provided.
What are Tennessee resumed or increased benefits?+
If you are not back at work earning at least your pre-injury wage when the original award period ends — or 180 days after MMI, if later — you may receive increased benefits. The calculation uses a 1.35 factor plus possible education (1.45), age (1.2) and unemployment (1.3) factors, with credit for the original award.
Does Tennessee use a body-part schedule for hand or arm injuries?+
Not for current injuries. Every impairment is converted to a whole-person rating and paid against 450 weeks.
Is Tennessee's PPD rate the same as the TTD maximum?+
No. The PPD maximum is lower: $1,353 versus $1,488.30 TTD for July 2026–June 2027 injuries.
Can returning to work reduce a Tennessee award?+
Returning at equal or higher wages can prevent resumed or increased benefits, though the original award is still paid.
Does surgery guarantee a larger Tennessee 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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee 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.