North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Calculator 2026

North Carolina TTD and TPD formulas

Temporary total disability is 66⅔% of average weekly wage, subject to the $30 minimum applicable before July 1, 2027 and the official maximum for the calendar year of injury. Partial incapacity is 66⅔% of the difference between pre-injury AWW and the weekly wage the worker is able to earn afterward, subject to the same injury-year maximum but not the TTD minimum.

Average weekly wage needs the correct wage record

The Industrial Commission says AWW is usually based on all wages in the covered employment during the 52 weeks before injury, including overtime, paid holidays, and special allowances such as board or lodging. If the worker was employed for less than 52 weeks, the weeks actually worked may be used. Periods involving more than seven consecutive lost calendar days may be excluded.

Short employment, exceptional circumstances, minors, certain volunteers, and a wage history that produces an unfair result can require another statutory method. Enter an accepted AWW or a source-backed estimate; this tool intentionally does not hide those decisions inside an annual-income shortcut.

Seven-day waiting period and retroactivity

Benefits may begin after the first seven days of disability. If disability continues for more than 21 days, compensation for the first seven days becomes due. The Commission counts weekends, holidays, and injury-related partial workdays, and the disability days do not have to be consecutive.

Duration and important limitations

For claims arising on or after June 24, 2011, TTD generally cannot exceed 500 weeks from the first date of disability unless extended compensation is awarded. Partial-incapacity benefits are also limited to 500 weeks, reduced by weeks paid under the total-disability provision. A return to work, Form 24 proceeding, trial return, medical release, or proof of continuing wage loss may affect actual payments.