Idaho Workers’ Compensation Guide 2026
Understand injury notice, employer reporting, medical control, wage-loss benefits and Commission dispute deadlines.
Report the injury immediately
Tell the employer when, where and how the injury happened and help complete the First Report of Injury. Waiting more than 60 days can jeopardize all benefits. The employer or carrier generally sends a reportable First Report to the Commission within 10 days after notice; if the employer refuses, the worker may file the form directly.
Keep written proof of notice, the completed report, witness information and every carrier communication. The report begins administration but does not by itself prove compensability.
Ask whether the employer designated a physician
An employer may designate the treating physician. Ask before nonemergency care when possible. Changing providers may require employer approval or a petition to the Commission, while emergency treatment should not be delayed.
Attend appointments, give restrictions to the employer and retain bills, prescriptions, mileage and work-status notes. Disagreements over treatment or provider choice should be raised promptly.
Benefits can include medical care and wage replacement
Qualifying claims may provide necessary medical treatment, temporary total or partial disability, permanent impairment or disability, vocational services and death benefits. Initial TTD uses the official five-band injury-year table rather than one universal percentage.
TPD generally equals 67% of the accepted decrease in wage-earning capacity, subject to the total-disability maximum. A return to work, medical stability, impairment rating or earning-capacity finding can change the benefit type.
Five waiting days return after more than two weeks
No income benefit is generally payable for the first five days of disability when disability lasts two weeks or less. If disability exceeds two weeks, compensation is allowed from the first day. This timing rule is separate from calculation of the weekly rate.
The Commission says the first check may generally be expected within 28 days after injury unless the claim is denied or under investigation. Contact the insurer about the actual payment schedule.
Mediation is voluntary; a Complaint starts a hearing case
The Commission offers voluntary mediation. A formal hearing begins by filing a Complaint. When no compensation has been paid after a claim, the worker generally has one year from the claim to file; different limits may apply after payments stop, including a five-year accident period and, in some later-payment situations, one year from the last payment.
Deadlines are fact-specific. Do not wait when treatment, wage replacement or claim acceptance is disputed.
Idaho Industrial Commission
Claims and benefits assistance: 208-334-6000.
Open the official injured-worker FAQs →Official sources
Reviewed: September 1, 2026.