North Carolina rate reference
North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Benefits Chart 2026
Compare current weekly limits, temporary-benefit formulas, waiting days, permanent schedules, medical control, and filing rules.
Official rates checked: August 26, 2026 · 2026 maximum: $1,446
2026 weekly benefit reference
| Benefit | Formula | Maximum | General duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary total disability | 66⅔% of AWW; $30 minimum | $1,446 | 500 weeks unless extended compensation |
| Temporary partial disability | 66⅔% of wage difference | $1,446 | 500 weeks less applicable TTD weeks |
| Permanent partial disability | Rate × impairment % × scheduled weeks | Injury-year rate controls | G.S. 97-31 schedule |
| Death benefits | 66⅔% of AWW | $1,446 for a 2026 injury | Generally 500 weeks, with exceptions |
Use the North Carolina weekly calculator for TTD or TPD. The $30 TTD minimum changes to $50 for claims arising on or after July 1, 2027.
Recent maximum weekly compensation rates
| Injury year | Maximum | TTD minimum before July 1, 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $1,446 | $30 |
| 2025 | $1,380 | $30 |
| 2024 | $1,330 | $30 |
| 2023 | $1,254 | $30 |
| 2022 | $1,184 | $30 |
The injury-year maximum remains attached to the claim; it is not replaced by a later year’s rate.
Permanent partial disability schedule examples
Upper body and senses
- Arm: 240 weeks
- Hand: 200 weeks
- Thumb: 75 weeks
- Index finger: 45 weeks
- Eye: 120 weeks
- Hearing, one ear: 70 weeks
Lower body and back
- Leg: 200 weeks
- Foot: 144 weeks
- Great toe: 35 weeks
- Other toe: 10 weeks
- Back: 150 weeks
- Hearing, both ears: 70 weeks
A partial loss applies the physician’s impairment percentage to the scheduled weeks. The Commission resolves disputed ratings, and alternative wage-loss remedies may require an election.
Rules that change claim timing
| Coverage threshold | Generally three or more regular employees, subject to exemptions and special categories |
|---|---|
| Written notice | As soon as practicable and generally within 30 days |
| Employee claim | Form 18; generally a two-year statute with statutory details |
| Waiting period | First seven disability days initially unpaid |
| Retroactivity | First seven days payable after disability exceeds 21 days |
| Medical control | Employer or insurer generally provides and directs treatment |
| Medical mileage | 20+ miles round trip; Form 25T and applicable IRS rate |
| Funeral or burial | Actual expense up to $10,000 |
Read the North Carolina claim guide for the reporting and filing sequence.
Official sources
- NCIC maximum weekly compensation rates.
- NCIC Rating Guide and scheduled weeks.
- NCIC Workers’ Compensation Bulletin.
- NCIC injured-worker resources.
Page last reviewed: August 26, 2026. Official statutes, orders, and accepted claim facts control.