Wisconsin Workers' Comp Benefits (2026)
How Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin
Back, neck and other unscheduled injuries are rated against 1,000 weeks, and loss of earning capacity can be added on top. If the worker goes back to the same employer, the award is limited to physical impairment unless the actual wage loss is 15% or more.
Weekly benefits while you cannot work
| Weekly rate | 66.67% of AWW |
|---|---|
| Maximum weekly benefit | $1,375 (Injuries on/after 2026-01-01 (calendar year 2026; max weekly wage $2,062.50)) |
| Minimum weekly benefit | No statutory minimum found |
| Waiting period | 3 days |
| Waiting days paid back after | 7 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 % × 1000 weeks | $45,400 (10% rating) |
| Neck | whole-person % × 1000 weeks | $45,400 (10% rating) |
| Shoulder | 500 weeks | $227,000 |
| Knee | 425 weeks | $192,950 |
| Arm | 500 weeks | $227,000 |
| Hand | 400 weeks | $181,600 |
| Thumb | 160 weeks | $72,640 |
| Index Finger | 60 weeks | $27,240 |
| Leg | 500 weeks | $227,000 |
| Foot | 250 weeks | $113,500 |
| Big Toe | 83.33 weeks | $37,832 |
| Eye | 275 weeks | $124,850 |
| Hearing Loss | 330 weeks | $149,820 |
Permanent injuries in general
Unscheduled PPD: weeks bearing the same relation to 1,000 weeks as the injury bears to permanent total disability, at 66.67% of AWW; loss of earning capacity may be added.
Law and official sources
Official sources
Statute: Wis. Stat. §§ 102.43, 102.44, 102.52, 102.55; 2025 Wisconsin Act 145; Wis. Stat. §§ 102.44(3), (6), 102.52
- Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, Worker's Compensation (official site)
- dwd.wisconsin.gov/wc/letters/insurance/ins-letter-549.htm
- dwd.wisconsin.gov/dwd/publications/wc/WKC-9572-P.pdf
- dwd.wi.gov/wc/legal/pls-2026-ammendments.htm
- law.justia.com/codes/wisconsin/chapter-102/section-102-52
- law.justia.com/codes/wisconsin/chapter-102/section-102-44/
Figures checked September 30, 2026. Maximums change every year; confirm current figures with the Wisconsin 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.