Comp Benefit Caps

All states

Workers' comp benefit limits in North Carolina

$1,446.00maximum a week for temporary total disability for injuries from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2026

A rough estimate: sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of his average weekly wages, capped at the $1,446.00 maximum and raised to the $30.00 minimum where the state applies one. Your insurer or the state agency figures the actual amount.

The rules

Maximum weekly benefit (temporary total disability)
2026 $1,446.001
Minimum weekly benefit
nor less than thirty dollars ($30.00) per week3

The statute raises the minimum to $50.00 from July 1, 2027.

How the benefit is figured
sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of his average weekly wages3
Waiting period
first seven calendar days of disability2
When the waiting period is paid back
paid from the date of disability if disability lasts more than 21 days2
Next change: The maximum is set by year of injury at 110% of the average weekly insured wage. Expected 1 January 2027.13

Questions about a claim go to the North Carolina Industrial Commission.

Sources

  1. Maximum Weekly Compensation Rates for 1982 - 2026, North Carolina Industrial Commission, checked 1 November 2026
  2. G.S. 97-28, North Carolina General Assembly, checked 1 November 2026
  3. G.S. 97-29, North Carolina General Assembly, checked 1 November 2026

Checked 1 November 2026. "Secondary" marks a source we used only because the official page could not be read.