Colorado Workers' Comp Benefits (2026)
How Colorado 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 Colorado
Scheduled losses and whole-person impairments are paid separately, each solely on its own basis. Up to $10,000 of a whole-person award can be taken as a lump sum on written request.
Weekly benefits while you cannot work
| Weekly rate | 66.67% of AWW |
|---|---|
| Maximum weekly benefit | $1,448.02 (2026-07-01 to 2027-06-30) |
| Minimum weekly benefit | No statutory minimum found |
| Waiting period | 3 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 | impairment rating (see rule) | — |
| Neck | impairment rating (see rule) | — |
| Shoulder | 208 weeks | — |
| Knee | 208 weeks (as the leg) | — |
| Arm | 208 weeks | — |
| Hand | 104 weeks | — |
| Thumb | 50 weeks | — |
| Index Finger | 26 weeks | — |
| Leg | 208 weeks | — |
| Foot | 104 weeks | — |
| Big Toe | 26 weeks | — |
| Eye | 104 weeks | — |
| Hearing Loss | 139 weeks | — |
Permanent injuries in general
whole-person impairment % (AMA Guides 3rd ed. revised) × age factor (1.80 at 20 or younger to 1.00 at 60+) × 400 weeks at the TTD rate.
Law and official sources
Includes secondary sources
Statute: C.R.S. §§8-42-103, 8-42-105, 8-42-107, 8-42-107.5; C.R.S. §8-42-107(2), (8)
- Colorado Division of Workers' Compensation (Department of Labor & Employment) (official site)
- cdle.colorado.gov/dwc/dowc-updates
- secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0452150045
- colorado.public.law/statutes/crs_8-42-103
- colorado.public.law/statutes/crs_8-42-105
- law.justia.com/codes/colorado/title-8/labor-ii-workers-compensation-and-related-provisions
- colorado.public.law/statutes/crs_8-42-107
Figures checked September 30, 2026. Maximums change every year; confirm current figures with the Colorado 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.