Washington Workers' Compensation Benefits
Washington's workers' compensation system pays 60% of your average weekly wage, up to a state maximum of $1,645/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.
Washington benefit snapshot
- Max weekly TTD
- $1,645
- Min weekly TTD
- -
- Wage replacement
- 60%
- Effective
- 2026
Effective July 1, 2025
Calculate My Washington TTD Benefit →How Washington workers' comp benefits are calculated
Washington multiplies your average weekly wage (AWW) by 60% to determine your weekly wage-replacement benefit. The result is capped at the state maximum of $1,645 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 Washington 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 Washington
| Average weekly wage | Weekly TTD (60%) | Annual | At state cap? |
|---|---|---|---|
| $600 | $360 | $18,720 | No |
| $900 | $540 | $28,080 | No |
| $1,200 | $720 | $37,440 | No |
| $1,800 | $1,080 | $56,160 | No |
| $2,500 | $1,500 | $78,000 | No |
What affects your Washington 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.
Washington workers' compensation board and claim process
Workers' compensation in Washington is administered by the Washington Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). The agency publishes the official claim forms, tracks claim status, and hears disputes when a carrier denies or underpays benefits.
| State agency | Washington Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) |
|---|---|
| Notice to employer | As soon as practicable |
| Deadline to file a claim | 1 year from the date of injury |
| Official website | https://lni.wa.gov/claims/ |
How to file a Washington workers' comp claim
- Report the injury to your employer. Washington requires notice within As soon as practicable. Put it in writing and keep a dated copy.
- Get medical treatment. Tell the provider the injury happened at work so treatment is billed to the comp carrier, not your health insurance.
- Confirm the first report of injury was filed. Your employer must report the claim to its insurance carrier, which opens the claim file.
- Track your wage-replacement checks. Compare each check against the $720 you would receive on a $1,200 AWW at 60% to spot an understated average weekly wage.
- File a formal claim if benefits stall. If the carrier denies, delays, or underpays, file with the Washington Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) within 1 year from the date of injury.
- Resolve permanent disability. After Maximum Medical Improvement you receive an impairment rating, which drives your PPD award or lump-sum settlement.
Deadlines above are general statutory guidelines for traumatic injuries. Occupational disease, repetitive trauma, and death claims can follow different timelines. Confirm your dates with the Washington Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) or a Washington workers' comp attorney.
Washington workers' comp FAQ
Who administers workers' compensation claims in Washington?+
Claims are administered by the Washington Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). Forms, claim status information, and dispute procedures are published at https://lni.wa.gov/claims/.
How do I file a workers' comp claim in Washington?+
Report the injury to your employer (As soon as practicable in Washington), get medical treatment and tell the provider it is work related, then confirm your employer filed the first report of injury with its carrier. If benefits are denied or delayed, file a formal claim with the Washington Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). The filing deadline is generally 1 year from the date of injury.
What is the deadline to file a workers' comp claim in Washington?+
Washington generally requires notice to your employer within As soon as practicable, and a formal claim filed within 1 year from the date of injury. Occupational disease, repetitive trauma, and death claims can follow different deadlines, so confirm with the Washington Department of Labor & Industries (L&I).
What is the maximum weekly workers' comp benefit in Washington?+
The current maximum TTD rate in Washington is $1,645 per week. Effective July 1, 2025
How is the weekly workers' comp rate calculated in Washington?+
Washington pays 60% of your average weekly wage (AWW), capped at $1,645 per week.
What is the minimum workers' comp benefit in Washington?+
Washington does not set a fixed statutory minimum weekly TTD benefit.
How long can I receive TTD benefits in Washington?+
TTD continues until you return to work, are released by your treating physician, or reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI). Washington also caps the total number of TTD weeks under state statute.
Are workers' comp benefits taxable in Washington?+
No. Workers' compensation benefits in Washington are exempt from federal and state income tax.
Can I see my own doctor in Washington?+
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 Washington workers' comp board for your specific rights.
What if my Washington employer is underpaying me?+
Insurance carriers commonly miscalculate AWW by excluding overtime, bonuses, or secondary income. If your weekly check ($720 for an AWW of $1,200) appears low, request the carrier's AWW worksheet and consult a Washington workers' comp attorney.
Get a Free Washington Workers' Comp Claim Review
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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.