District of Columbia Workers' Comp Benefits (2026)
How District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia
Schedule ratings may use the latest AMA Guides together with five factors: pain, weakness, atrophy, loss of endurance and loss of function. After 500 weeks of partial disability, a worker can petition for up to 167 more weeks if an independent examiner finds whole-body impairment above 20%.
Weekly benefits while you cannot work
| Weekly rate | 66.67% of AWW |
|---|---|
| Maximum weekly benefit | $1,852.07 (2026-01-01 to 2026-12-31) |
| Minimum weekly benefit | 25% of the maximum (or actual AWW if lower); 2025 value $452.17, 2026 dollar figure not confirmed |
| Waiting period | 3 days |
| Waiting days paid back after | 14 days of disability |
| Time limit on temporary benefits | No fixed week limit in statute |
Estimate your weekly check
Assumes temporary total disability and no post-injury work earnings. It does not calculate partial disability, retroactive payments, offsets or special low-wage rules. Confirm the injury date and the insurer's wage calculation.
What each injury is worth
| Injury | How it is paid | Max award |
|---|---|---|
| Back | wage loss | — |
| Neck | wage loss | — |
| Shoulder | depends on how it is rated | — |
| Knee | 288 weeks (as the leg) | $533,396 |
| Arm | 312 weeks | $577,846 |
| Hand | 244 weeks | $451,905 |
| Thumb | 75 weeks | $138,905 |
| Index Finger | 46 weeks | $85,195 |
| Leg | 288 weeks | $533,396 |
| Foot | 205 weeks | $379,674 |
| Big Toe | 38 weeks | $70,379 |
| Eye | 160 weeks | $296,331 |
| Hearing Loss | 200 weeks | $370,414 |
Permanent injuries in general
66 2/3% of the wage-loss difference, capped at 500 weeks (extension of up to 167 weeks if whole-body impairment exceeds 20%).
Shoulder: confirm the applicable category first
D.C.'s schedule has no shoulder entry; the arm is 312 weeks. The statute does not say whether a shoulder injury is paid on the arm schedule or as a non-schedule (wage-loss) injury.
Shoulder injuries: identify the rating basis
For a rotator-cuff tear, fracture or other shoulder condition, request the final report on range of motion, strength and work restrictions. Check whether the state treats this claim as an arm loss, a whole-person impairment or another category. A shoulder percentage and an arm percentage are not automatically interchangeable.
The information available here does not by itself establish whether the claim uses an arm rating, a whole-person rating or lost-earnings benefits. Ask the agency or rating issuer to identify the category and the rule or guide used before valuing an offer. Do not enter a shoulder percentage into another rating unit without that confirmation.
Law and official sources
Includes secondary sources
Statute: D.C. Code §§32-1505, 32-1508; D.C. Code §§32-1505(b), 32-1508(3)
- Office of Workers' Compensation, D.C. Department of Employment Services (official site)
- code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/32-1505
- code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/32-1508
- does.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/does/publication/attachments/Maximum-Minimum%20Co
- secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0452150045
Figures checked September 30, 2026. Maximums change every year; confirm current figures with the District of Columbia 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.