South Carolina rate reference
South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Benefits Chart 2026
Compare current weekly rates, temporary-benefit formulas, waiting days, permanent schedules, coverage, medical control, and filing rules.
Official rates checked: August 27, 2026 · 2026 maximum: $1,189.94
Current South Carolina benefit reference
| Benefit | General formula | 2026 limit or duration |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary total disability | 66⅔% of AWW; $75 minimum not above worker AWW | $1,189.94 maximum; generally up to 500 weeks |
| Temporary partial disability | 66⅔% of eligible wage difference | $1,189.94 maximum; up to 340 weeks from injury |
| Permanent scheduled loss | Weekly rate × impairment percentage × scheduled weeks | Body-part schedule in § 42-9-30 |
| Permanent total disability | Generally total-disability rate | 500 weeks, with lifetime exceptions for specified severe conditions |
| Death benefits | Generally 66⅔% of AWW for qualifying dependents | Weekly cap applies; burial expense up to $12,000 |
Use the South Carolina weekly calculator for a TTD or TPD estimate.
Recent annual maximum weekly rates
| Accidents on or after | Maximum weekly compensation |
|---|---|
| January 1, 2026 | $1,189.94 |
| January 1, 2025 | $1,134.43 |
| January 1, 2024 | $1,093.67 |
| January 1, 2023 | $1,035.78 |
| January 1, 2022 | $963.37 |
The Commission publishes the maximum for each accident year. The applicable historical rate remains relevant even when payments occur later.
Permanent-loss schedule examples
Upper body and senses
- Shoulder: 300 weeks
- Arm: 220 weeks
- Hand: 185 weeks
- Thumb: 65 weeks
- Eye: 140 weeks
- Hearing: 80 weeks one ear / 165 both
Lower body and other losses
- Hip: 280 weeks
- Leg: 195 weeks
- Foot: 140 weeks
- Great toe: 35 weeks
- Back: 300 or 500-week framework
- Serious disfigurement: up to 50 weeks
Partial loss is generally paid in the proportion the impairment bears to total loss. Medical evidence, maximum medical improvement, apportionment, and the chosen statutory route can materially affect an award.
Rules that affect coverage and timing
| General coverage threshold | Private employment with four or more regularly employed workers, subject to exemptions and statutory-employer rules |
|---|---|
| Accident notice | Generally within 90 days; report immediately rather than relying on the limit |
| Employee claim | Form 50; generally within two years after the accident |
| Waiting period | First seven calendar days initially unpaid for wage compensation |
| Retroactivity | Compensation from day one if disability lasts more than 14 days |
| Treating doctor | Employer or carrier generally directs authorized medical care |
| Multiple jobs | Commission says qualifying wages from multiple employers may be included in AWW |
| Pain and suffering | Not a workers’ compensation benefit under the Act |
Read the South Carolina claim guide for the reporting, filing, treatment, and dispute sequence.
Official sources
- SCWCC compensation rates.
- SCWCC injured-worker FAQs.
- South Carolina Code, Chapter 1: coverage and definitions.
- South Carolina Code, Chapter 9: weekly and scheduled compensation.
- South Carolina Code, Chapter 15: notice and claims.
Page last reviewed: August 27, 2026. Official orders, statutes, and accepted claim facts control.