Arkansas Workers’ Compensation Benefits Chart 2026
Compare total-disability and PPD rates, rounding, waiting days, medical control, forms and filing periods.
Arkansas weekly compensation maximums
| Injury year | Total disability maximum | Standard PPD maximum | Weekly minimum |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $953 | $715 | $20 |
| 2025 | $903 | $677 | $20 |
| 2024 | $876 | $657 | $20 |
| 2023 | $835 | $626 | $20 |
The AWCC calculates the 2026 total-disability ceiling from 85% of the $1,120.68 state average weekly wage. The resulting $952.58 amount rounds to $953; the standard PPD ceiling is $715.
Weekly formulas and special PPD route
| Benefit | General calculation |
|---|---|
| TTD / PTD weekly rate | 66⅔% of AWW, rounded to nearest whole dollar; $20 minimum and injury-year maximum |
| Standard PPD when total rate is at least $205.35 | 75% of the employee’s total-disability rate, capped at the annual PPD maximum |
| Standard PPD below the threshold | 66⅔% of AWW, with $20 minimum and $154 maximum |
| Amputation or permanent total loss of use | Total-disability rate rather than the standard PPD rate |
| Unscheduled whole-body value | 450 weeks before applying the legally determined disability percentage |
The weekly rate does not determine the number of weeks. Scheduled body parts, impairment evidence, wage-loss disability and permanent-total eligibility require separate findings.
Waiting period, treatment and claim steps
| Item | General rule |
|---|---|
| Waiting period | First seven disability days initially unpaid |
| Retroactive point | If disability lasts 14 calendar days, payment begins the day after injury |
| First installment | Generally due on day 15 after employer notice |
| Later payments | Normally every two weeks |
| Initial physician | Employer or carrier generally directs authorized care |
| Employee claim | Form AR-C |
| Initial claim period | Generally two years from injury |
| Additional-benefit period | Generally one year after last compensation payment |
These are general references, not a deadline calculation for an individual claim. Claim type, payment history and prior Commission activity can change the result.
Medical, rehabilitation and other benefits
Reasonably necessary authorized medical treatment is paid without a worker deductible. Mileage for qualifying medical travel, vocational rehabilitation, death benefits, facial or head disfigurement and return-to-work remedies have separate requirements. A compensation settlement requires Commission approval.
Official sources
Reviewed: September 1, 2026.