Nebraska Workers' Comp Benefits (2026)
How Nebraska 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 Nebraska
Nebraska pays members by schedule and the body as a whole by loss of earning power; when several members are injured, each is paid separately with the benefit periods running one after another.
Weekly benefits while you cannot work
| Weekly rate | 66.67% of AWW |
|---|---|
| Maximum weekly benefit | $1,166 (2026-01-01 to 2026-12-31) |
| Minimum weekly benefit | $49 (or actual wages if less) |
| Waiting period | Not confirmed |
| Waiting days paid back after | Not confirmed |
| 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 | depends on how it is rated | — |
| Knee | 215 weeks (as the leg) | $250,690 |
| Arm | 225 weeks | $262,350 |
| Hand | 175 weeks | $204,050 |
| Thumb | 60 weeks | $69,960 |
| Index Finger | 35 weeks | $40,810 |
| Leg | 215 weeks | $250,690 |
| Foot | 150 weeks | $174,900 |
| Big Toe | 30 weeks | $34,980 |
| Eye | 125 weeks | $145,750 |
| Hearing Loss | impairment rating (see rule) | — |
Permanent injuries in general
66⅔% of the difference between pre-injury wages and post-injury earning power, up to 300 weeks.
Law and official sources
Official sources
Statute: Neb. Rev. Stat. 48-119, 48-121, 48-121.01; Neb. Rev. Stat. § 48-121(2), (3)
- Nebraska Workers' Compensation Court (official site)
- newcc.gov/service-providers/attorneys/benefit-rates
- law.justia.com/codes/nebraska/chapter-48/statute-48-121/
- nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=48-121&print=true
- law.justia.com/codes/nebraska/chapter-48/statute-48-121-01/
Figures checked September 30, 2026. Maximums change every year; confirm current figures with the Nebraska 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.