Find the maximum weekly compensation rate for any date of injury in New York State.
The maximum weekly workers' compensation rate in New York State is $1,281.50 for injuries occurring on or after July 1, 2026, per WCB Subject No. 046-1805. For dates of injury between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026, the maximum is $1,222.42.
The rate that governs your case is the one in effect on your date of injury — not the current year's rate. Enter your accident date in the lookup above to see the maximum that applies to your claim.
Under WCL §15(6), the maximum weekly benefit equals two-thirds of the New York State Average Weekly Wage (NYSAWW). The NYSAWW — defined in WCL §2(16) — is the average weekly wage of all workers covered by New York unemployment insurance for the previous calendar year, calculated by the NYS Department of Labor and reported to the Superintendent of Financial Services by March 31 each year.
The new maximum takes effect each July 1 and is announced by the Workers' Compensation Board in an annual Subject Number bulletin. Once set by your date of injury, the maximum rate for your case does not change, regardless of later increases.
| Effective Period | Maximum Weekly Rate |
|---|---|
| Jul 1, 2026 – Present | $1,281.50 |
| Jul 1, 2025 – Jun 30, 2026 | $1,222.42 |
| Jul 1, 2024 – Jun 30, 2025 | $1,171.46 |
| Jul 1, 2023 – Jun 30, 2024 | $1,145.43 |
| Jul 1, 2022 – Jun 30, 2023 | $1,125.46 |
| Jul 1, 2021 – Jun 30, 2022 | $1,063.05 |
| Jul 1, 2020 – Jun 30, 2021 | $966.78 |
| Jul 1, 2019 – Jun 30, 2020 | $934.11 |
| Jul 1, 2018 – Jun 30, 2019 | $904.74 |
| Jul 1, 2017 – Jun 30, 2018 | $870.61 |
| Jul 1, 2016 – Jun 30, 2017 | $864.32 |
| Jul 1, 2015 – Jun 30, 2016 | $844.29 |
| Jul 1, 2014 – Jun 30, 2015 | $808.65 |
| Jul 1, 2013 – Jun 30, 2014 | $803.21 |
| Jul 1, 2012 – Jun 30, 2013 | $792.07 |
| Jul 1, 2011 – Jun 30, 2012 | $772.96 |
| Jul 1, 2010 – Jun 30, 2011 | $739.83 |
| Jul 1, 2009 – Jun 30, 2010 | $600.00 |
| Jul 1, 2008 – Jun 30, 2009 | $550.00 |
| Jul 1, 2007 – Jun 30, 2008 | $500.00 |
| Jul 1, 1985 – Jun 30, 2007 | $400.00 |
Rates are updated annually by the New York Department of Financial Services. The rate effective on the date of injury applies throughout the case, unless modified by subsequent legislation.
Your weekly benefit is 2/3 × your Average Weekly Wage (AWW) × your degree of disability, and it cannot exceed the statutory maximum for your injury year. A worker earning $1,500/week who is totally disabled receives 2/3 × $1,500 = $1,000/week. A worker earning $2,100/week hits the cap: 2/3 × $2,100 = $1,400, which is reduced to the $1,281.50 maximum for a 2026 injury.
Start with the free Average Weekly Wage (AWW) calculator to establish your wage under WCL §14. Then estimate permanency awards with the Schedule Loss of Use (SLU) calculator or the Loss of Wage Earning Capacity (LWEC) calculator. For the minimum rate for your injury date, see the benefit rate lookup.
For injuries on or after July 1, 2026, the maximum weekly compensation rate is $1,281.50, per WCB Subject No. 046-1805. For dates of injury between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026, the maximum is $1,222.42.
Your weekly benefit is two-thirds of your average weekly wage (AWW) multiplied by your degree of disability, capped at the statutory maximum rate for your date of injury.
No. The maximum rate that applies to your case is fixed by your date of injury and remains applicable for the life of the case, even as new maximums take effect each July 1.
Yes. The minimum weekly benefit rose to $275 on January 1, 2024 and $325 on January 1, 2025, and beginning January 1, 2026 it is indexed to one-fifth of the New York State Average Weekly Wage.
Your rate is capped at the statutory maximum for your injury year. Higher-wage workers receive the maximum; everyone else receives two-thirds of their average weekly wage at total disability.
Disclaimer: This rate lookup is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Rates shown are based on New York Department of Financial Services announcements and are accurate as of the dates shown. For the most current rate information, consult the official DFS website or a qualified workers' compensation attorney.