Massachusetts Workers’ Compensation Calculator 2026
Estimate temporary total or partial incapacity using the exact October 1 rate period, Massachusetts’ 60% formulas, and the separate 75%-of-TTD partial-benefit cap.
Estimate Massachusetts weekly incapacity benefits
Massachusetts total and partial incapacity formulas
Section 34 temporary total incapacity is generally 60% of the worker’s gross pre-injury AWW. If AWW is below the applicable minimum compensation rate, the weekly amount equals AWW. Otherwise the period minimum and maximum apply.
Section 35 partial incapacity is generally 60% of the difference between pre-injury AWW and post-injury earning capacity, but it cannot exceed 75% of what the worker would receive for total incapacity under § 34. The calculator performs both calculations before selecting the lower amount.
Rate periods change every October 1
| Injury-date period | Maximum | Minimum |
|---|---|---|
| October 1, 2025–September 30, 2026 | $1,922.48 | $384.50 |
| October 1, 2024–September 30, 2025 | $1,829.13 | $365.83 |
| October 1, 2023–September 30, 2024 | $1,796.72 | $359.34 |
| October 1, 2022–September 30, 2023 | $1,765.34 | $353.07 |
September 30 and October 1 injuries in the same year can use different limits. For later injury dates, verify the next DIA circular before calculating.
Average weekly wage and earning capacity require evidence
AWW ordinarily starts with gross earnings in the relevant employment during the 52 weeks before injury, with statutory alternatives for shorter, irregular, seasonal, or otherwise impracticable wage histories. Concurrent covered employment and specific forms of remuneration may also affect the accepted figure.
Partial incapacity uses what the employee is capable of earning, which may differ from the wages actually received. Medical restrictions, education, experience, labor-market evidence, and available work can matter. Enter only an accepted figure or a documented estimate and review the result as a scenario, not an award.
Duration, waiting days, and excluded adjustments
Section 34 total-incapacity compensation is limited to 156 weeks. Section 35 partial-incapacity compensation is generally limited to 260 weeks, with combined § 34 and § 35 limits and a possible statutory extension for qualifying severe permanent loss. Wage compensation is not paid for the first five incapacity days unless incapacity lasts at least 21 calendar days.
The estimate excludes the $6-per-dependent supplement, the statutory combined-earnings rule, Social Security and unemployment coordination, COLA, recoupment, penalties, and claim-specific offsets. Read the Massachusetts claim guide for filing and dispute steps.
Why can TPD be less than 60% of wage loss?
Section 35 separately caps partial incapacity at 75% of the worker’s theoretical § 34 total-incapacity benefit.
Does a worker below the minimum receive the published minimum?
No. Section 34 says that when AWW itself is below the minimum rate, weekly compensation equals AWW.
Does the calculator include dependent supplements?
No. Section 35A eligibility, dependent count, the $150 aggregate ceiling, and the AWW ceiling need separate facts.
Is this a settlement calculator?
No. It estimates one weekly incapacity rate and does not value permanent loss, future medical care, or settlement terms.
Official sources
- DIA minimum and maximum compensation rates.
- M.G.L. c. 152, § 34.
- M.G.L. c. 152, § 35.
- DIA benefit types.
Page last reviewed: August 27, 2026. Verify injuries after September 30, 2026 against the next DIA rate notice.