California Temporary Partial Disability Calculator 2026
Estimate a weekly temporary partial disability payment when an accepted work injury allows some work but reduces weekly earning capacity. The worksheet calculates two-thirds of the wage loss, applies the injury-year maximum, and subtracts entered unemployment offsets.
Estimate your California TPD rate
California temporary partial disability formula
Labor Code section 4654 states that temporary partial disability is two-thirds of the weekly loss in wages. Section 4657 defines that loss as the difference between average weekly earnings and the weekly amount the worker will probably be able to earn during the disability.
The result is a weekly indemnity estimate, not the combined amount of wages and benefits. It assumes that the reduced earning amount and period of temporary partial disability are accepted.
Actual earnings versus probable earning capacity
Actual post-injury gross earnings can be useful evidence when they fairly represent what the worker can earn under temporary restrictions. Section 4657, however, refers to the amount the worker will probably be able to earn and requires consideration of the injury and ability to compete in an open labor market.
- Use the actual weekly amount if it fairly reflects restricted work
- Include recurring work compensation supported by records
- Do not assume a voluntary reduction proves injury-related wage loss
- Keep medical restrictions, schedules, pay stubs, and job-offer records
Weekly maximums used by the calculator
California DWC publishes annual temporary-disability maximums. This worksheet limits two-thirds of the wage loss to the maximum associated with the injury year.
| Date of injury | Weekly maximum applied |
|---|---|
| January 1, 2026 onward | $1,764.11 |
| January 1–December 31, 2025 | $1,680.29 |
| January 1–December 31, 2024 | $1,619.15 |
| January 1–December 31, 2023 | $1,619.15 |
| January 1–December 31, 2022 | $1,539.71 |
| January 1–December 31, 2021 | $1,356.31 |
The worksheet follows section 4654 by calculating two-thirds of the entered wage loss. Raising that amount automatically to the TTD minimum could exceed the actual loss being replaced.
Unemployment offsets under Labor Code section 4654
Section 4654 requires the disability payment to be reduced by unemployment compensation benefits and extended-duration benefits received during the temporary partial disability period. Enter the weekly amount for the same week represented by the wage inputs.
The calculator first determines two-thirds of wage loss, applies the injury-year maximum, and then subtracts the entered offset without allowing the result to fall below zero. It does not model State Disability Insurance, paid leave, salary continuation, employer credits, overpayments, liens, penalties, or other possible adjustments.
Calculation examples for 2026 injuries
$1,500 AWW and $900 restricted earnings
The weekly loss is $600. Two-thirds produces an estimated $400.00 weekly TPD.
$4,000 AWW and $500 earning capacity
Two-thirds of the $3,500 loss is $2,333.33, so the 2026 estimate is capped at $1,764.11.
$900 AWW and $800 restricted earnings
Two-thirds of the $100 loss is $66.67. The worksheet does not increase it to the TTD minimum.
$400 before a $100 weekly offset
After subtracting the entered unemployment amount, the estimated weekly TPD is $300.00.
Eligibility, waiting days, and duration are separate
DWC describes TPD as payments for a worker who can do some work while recovering but cannot work the full schedule. A reduced paycheck alone does not establish eligibility; medical restrictions, injury-related wage loss, available work, and claim evidence may matter.
Labor Code section 4652 generally creates a three-day waiting period unless disability continues for more than 14 days or inpatient hospitalization applies. For most injuries on or after January 1, 2008, section 4656 limits aggregate temporary-disability payments to 104 compensable weeks within five years of injury, with specified exceptions. This calculator estimates a weekly amount only. Use the California TD Duration Calculator to count one continuous period under the waiting rules. Use the California TD Duration Calculator to count one continuous period under the waiting rules.
Frequently asked questions
What is temporary partial disability?
TPD is a temporary-disability benefit for an eligible worker who can perform some work while recovering but has an injury-related reduction in weekly earning capacity.
Should I enter take-home pay?
No. Use gross work earnings before taxes and payroll deductions, consistent with DWC guidance on gross wage loss.
Where do I get the pre-injury AWW?
Use the amount accepted in the claim or build a source-backed estimate with the California Average Weekly Wage Calculator. Different statutory wage methods may apply.
What if post-injury earnings exceed the AWW?
The worksheet reports zero wage loss and zero estimated TPD. It does not calculate negative benefits or determine whether another period has a compensable loss.
Does the maximum apply before or after the unemployment offset?
The worksheet calculates two-thirds of wage loss, limits that amount to the selected-year maximum, and then subtracts the unemployment or extended-duration amount entered under section 4654.
Does this estimate a settlement?
No. It estimates one weekly temporary partial disability amount. It does not value permanent disability, future medical care, settlement terms, liens, credits, disputes, or attorney fees.
Official sources
- California Labor Code sections 4652–4657 — waiting period, TPD formula, offsets, duration, and weekly-loss definition.
- California DWC temporary disability overview — two-thirds of gross wage loss, maximum, income categories, and general payment operation.
- California DWC injured-worker FAQs — distinction between TTD and TPD and general wage guidance.
- California DWC benefit-rate chart — official injury-year temporary-disability limits.
- California DWC 2026 rate announcement — 2026 maximum and SAWW adjustment.
Method last reviewed: August 25, 2026. Report a possible formula or source issue through the contact page. For the broader claim process, read the California Workers’ Compensation Guide. For the broader claim process, read the California Workers’ Compensation Guide, or compare annual limits in the California Benefits Chart.