South Carolina Workers' Comp Benefits (2026)
How South Carolina 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 South Carolina
Back injuries are scheduled at 300 weeks, but a back loss of use of 50% or more is rated against 500 weeks and presumed to be permanent total disability (rebuttable). A worker may instead be paid wage-loss partial disability (66.67% of lost earnings) for up to 340 weeks.
Weekly benefits while you cannot work
| Weekly rate | 66.67% of AWW |
|---|---|
| Maximum weekly benefit | $1,189.94 (2026-01-01 to 2026-12-31 (calendar year; based on SC average weekly wage for FY ending 2025-06-30)) |
| Minimum weekly benefit | $75/week, or the worker's full AWW if AWW is below $75 |
| Waiting period | 7 days |
| Waiting days paid back after | 14 days of disability |
| Time limit on temporary benefits | 500 weeks |
Estimate your weekly check
What each injury is worth
| Injury | How it is paid | Max award |
|---|---|---|
| Back | 300 weeks | $356,982 |
| Neck | whole-person % × 500 weeks | $59,497 (10% rating) |
| Shoulder | 300 weeks | $356,982 |
| Knee | 195 weeks (as the leg) | $232,038 |
| Arm | 220 weeks | $261,787 |
| Hand | 185 weeks | $220,139 |
| Thumb | 65 weeks | $77,346 |
| Index Finger | 40 weeks | $47,598 |
| Leg | 195 weeks | $232,038 |
| Foot | 140 weeks | $166,592 |
| Big Toe | 35 weeks | $41,648 |
| Eye | 140 weeks | $166,592 |
| Hearing Loss | 165 weeks | $196,340 |
Permanent injuries in general
Unscheduled body parts: proportion of 500 weeks at 66.67% of AWW, ratios set by Commission regulation; alternatively wage-loss partial disability at 66.67% of the wage difference for up to 340 weeks.
Law and official sources
Official sources
Statute: S.C. Code Ann. §§ 42-9-10, 42-9-20, 42-9-30, 42-9-200; S.C. Code Ann. §§ 42-9-20, 42-9-30(21)-(22)
- South Carolina Workers' Compensation Commission (official site)
- wcc.sc.gov/sites/wcc/files/Documents/Update.News/Advisory%20Notice/Advisory%20Notice_Updat
- wcc.sc.gov/news/2025-12/commission-approves-2026-maximum-weekly-compensation-rate
- scstatehouse.gov/code/t42c009.php
- law.justia.com/codes/south-carolina/title-42/chapter-9/section-42-9-30/
Figures checked September 30, 2026. Maximums change every year; confirm current figures with the South Carolina 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.