New Jersey Workers' Comp Benefits (2026)
How New Jersey 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 New Jersey
To be compensable, permanent partial disability must be shown by objective medical evidence and materially lessen working ability; minor sprains, contusions, lacerations and minor scars are excluded. The weekly rate for a PPD award rises with the total number of weeks awarded, so larger awards pay a higher weekly amount.
Weekly benefits while you cannot work
| Weekly rate | 70% of AWW |
|---|---|
| Maximum weekly benefit | $1,199 (2026-01-01 to 2026-12-31 (injuries in calendar year 2026)) |
| Minimum weekly benefit | $320 (2026) |
| Waiting period | 7 days |
| Waiting days paid back after | 7 days of disability |
| Time limit on temporary benefits | 400 weeks |
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 | depends on how it is rated | — |
| Knee | 315 weeks (as the leg) | — |
| Arm | 330 weeks | — |
| Hand | 260 weeks | — |
| Thumb | 80 weeks | — |
| Index Finger | 60 weeks | — |
| Leg | 315 weeks | — |
| Foot | 250 weeks | — |
| Big Toe | 40 weeks | — |
| Eye | 200 weeks | — |
| Hearing Loss | 200 weeks | — |
Permanent injuries in general
disability rated as a percentage of total and permanent disability × 600 weeks at 70% of AWW (weekly max tiered by number of weeks awarded).
Law and official sources
Official sources
Statute: N.J.S.A. 34:15-12 (schedule of payments); N.J.S.A. 34:15-14 (waiting period); N.J.S.A. 34:15-12(c) (schedule; percentage of total = portion of 600 weeks); N.J.S.A. 34:15-36 (definition of permanent partial disability)
- New Jersey Division of Workers' Compensation (Department of Labor and Workforce Development) (official site)
- nj.gov/labor/workerscompensation/assets/PDFs/Forms/2026_schedule.pdf
- nj.gov/labor/workerscompensation/assets/PDFs/Forms/2023_schedule.pdf
- nj.gov/labor/lwdhome/press/2025/20251229_newbenefitrates2026.shtml
- nj.gov/labor/assets/PDFs/Legal%20Notices/Notices of Proposal/57 N.J.R. 1922_a_.pdf
- law.justia.com/codes/new-jersey/title-34/section-34-15-14/
- law.justia.com/codes/new-jersey/title-34/section-34-15-12/
- law.justia.com/codes/new-jersey/title-34/section-34-15-36/
Figures checked September 30, 2026. Maximums change every year; confirm current figures with the New Jersey 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.