Alabama Workers' Comp Benefits (2026)
How Alabama pays injured workers: the weekly rate while you recover, the 2026 maximum, and what each type of permanent injury is worth, with the statute behind each number.
What is different in Alabama
Alabama pays scheduled members (arm 222 weeks, leg 200 weeks) proportionally to the loss of use; injuries off the schedule are paid on actual wage loss, not on an impairment percentage. Permanent total disability cannot be paid as a lump sum without both employer and employee consent.
Weekly benefits while you cannot work
| Weekly rate | 66.67% of AWW |
|---|---|
| Maximum weekly benefit | $1,219 (2026-07-01 to 2027-06-30) |
| Minimum weekly benefit | 27.5% of state AWW (or actual wage if lower); $322 for injuries 2025-07-01 to 2026-06-30; 2026-27 dollar figure not confirmed |
| Waiting period | 3 days |
| Waiting days paid back after | 21 days of disability |
| Time limit on temporary benefits | No fixed week limit in statute |
Estimate your weekly check
What each injury is worth
| Injury | How it is paid | Max award |
|---|---|---|
| Back | wage loss | — |
| Neck | wage loss | — |
| Shoulder | impairment rating (see rule) | — |
| Knee | 200 weeks (as the leg) | $44,000 |
| Arm | 222 weeks | $48,840 |
| Hand | 170 weeks | $37,400 |
| Thumb | 62 weeks | $13,640 |
| Index Finger | 43 weeks | $9,460 |
| Leg | 200 weeks | $44,000 |
| Foot | 139 weeks | $30,580 |
| Big Toe | 32 weeks | $7,040 |
| Eye | 124 weeks | $27,280 |
| Hearing Loss | 163 weeks | $35,860 |
Permanent injuries in general
66 2/3% of the difference between pre-injury AWW and what the worker can earn after the injury, for up to 300 weeks.
Law and official sources
Includes secondary sources
Statute: Ala. Code §§25-5-57, 25-5-59, 25-5-68; Ala. Code §25-5-57(a)(3)
- law.justia.com/codes/alabama/title-25/chapter-5/article-3/section-25-5-57/
- law.justia.com/codes/alabama/title-25/chapter-5/article-3/section-25-5-68/
- secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0452150045
Figures checked September 30, 2026. Maximums change every year; confirm current figures with the Alabama workers' compensation agency.
Estimate only. Your real award depends on your doctor's rating, your wage records, offsets and settlement terms. This page is general information, not legal advice.