Arkansas Workers' Comp Benefits (2026)
How Arkansas 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 Arkansas
Wage-loss disability above the impairment rating is barred if the worker has returned to work, found other work, or has a bona fide offer at wages equal to or greater than the pre-injury AWW; the employer carries that burden of proof.
Weekly benefits while you cannot work
| Weekly rate | 66.67% of AWW |
|---|---|
| Maximum weekly benefit | $953 (2026-01-01 to 2026-12-31) |
| Minimum weekly benefit | $20/week |
| Waiting period | 7 days |
| Waiting days paid back after | 14 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 | whole-person % × 450 weeks | $32,175 (10% rating) |
| Neck | whole-person % × 450 weeks | $32,175 (10% rating) |
| Shoulder | depends on how it is rated | — |
| Knee | 184 weeks | $131,560 |
| Arm | 244 weeks | $174,460 |
| Hand | 183 weeks | $130,845 |
| Thumb | 73 weeks | $52,195 |
| Index Finger | 43 weeks | $30,745 |
| Leg | 184 weeks | $131,560 |
| Foot | 131 weeks | $93,665 |
| Big Toe | 32 weeks | $22,880 |
| Eye | 105 weeks | $75,075 |
| Hearing Loss | 158 weeks | $112,970 |
Permanent injuries in general
impairment % × 450 weeks (body as a whole), plus a possible wage-loss factor.
Law and official sources
Official sources
Statute: Ark. Code Ann. §§11-9-501, 11-9-519, 11-9-521, 11-9-522; Ark. Code Ann. §§11-9-521, 11-9-522
- Arkansas Workers' Compensation Commission (official site)
- labor.arkansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/Advisory-2000-1-CY26_formatted.pdf
- law.justia.com/codes/arkansas/title-11/chapter-9/subchapter-5/section-11-9-501/
- law.justia.com/codes/arkansas/title-11/chapter-9/subchapter-5/section-11-9-519/
- law.justia.com/codes/arkansas/title-11/chapter-9/subchapter-5/section-11-9-521/
- law.justia.com/codes/arkansas/title-11/chapter-9/subchapter-5/section-11-9-522/
Figures checked September 30, 2026. Maximums change every year; confirm current figures with the Arkansas 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.