Vermont Workers' Comp Benefits (2026)
Operative benefit-week bases
Rule 10.1400 uses 405 weeks outside the spine and Rule 10.1500 uses 550 for the spine. Read §648 together with the applicable rule. The linked DOL decision applies 405 weeks to a 25% rating: 101.25 weeks. This calculator requires an approved weekly rate; it does not determine minimums, adjustments or combined impairments.
DOL rules by effective period · DOL 17-19WC: 405 × 25% = 101.25.
How Vermont 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 Vermont
Rule 10.1400 uses 405 weeks outside the spine and Rule 10.1500 uses 550 for the spine. A 60% spine impairment gives 330 weeks; this is not a formula ceiling. Ratings must be whole-person and the weekly rate must be approved.
Weekly benefits while you cannot work
| Weekly rate | 66.67% of gross AWW plus $20/week per dependent child under 21; total may not exceed 90% of AWW (before COLA) |
|---|---|
| Maximum weekly benefit | $1,914 (2026-07-01 to 2027-06-30 (FY 2027)) |
| Minimum weekly benefit | $638/week (FY 2027); FY 2026 was $612 |
| Waiting period | 3 days |
| Waiting days paid back after | 10 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.
Vermont adds $20 a week per dependent child under 21; this estimate shows the base amount only.
What each injury is worth
| Injury | How it is paid | Max award |
|---|---|---|
| Back | whole-person spine % × 550 weeks | $105,270 at a 10% rating |
| Neck | whole-person spine % × 550 weeks | $105,270 at a 10% rating |
| Shoulder | whole-person % × 405 weeks | $77,517 at a 10% rating |
| Knee | whole-person % × 405 weeks | $77,517 at a 10% rating |
| Arm | whole-person % × 405 weeks | $77,517 at a 10% rating |
| Hand | whole-person % × 405 weeks | $77,517 at a 10% rating |
| Thumb | whole-person % × 405 weeks | $77,517 at a 10% rating |
| Index Finger | whole-person % × 405 weeks | $77,517 at a 10% rating |
| Leg | whole-person % × 405 weeks | $77,517 at a 10% rating |
| Foot | whole-person % × 405 weeks | $77,517 at a 10% rating |
| Big Toe | whole-person % × 405 weeks | $77,517 at a 10% rating |
| Eye | whole-person % × 405 weeks | $77,517 at a 10% rating |
| Hearing Loss | whole-person % × 405 weeks | $77,517 at a 10% rating |
Permanent injuries in general
Rule 10.1400 uses 405 weeks outside the spine and Rule 10.1500 uses 550 for the spine. A 60% spine impairment gives 330 weeks; this is not a formula ceiling. Ratings must be whole-person and the weekly rate must be approved.
Law and official sources
Official sources
Statute: 21 V.S.A. §§ 601(18)-(19), 642, 648, 650; 21 V.S.A. § 648
- Vermont Department of Labor, Workers' Compensation Division (official site)
- labor.vermont.gov/minimum-and-maximum-compensation-rates-annual-change
- labor.vermont.gov/sites/labor/files/documents/historicalrates.pdf
- legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/21/009/00642
- legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/21/009/00648
- law.justia.com/codes/vermont/title-21/chapter-9/section-646/
Figures checked September 30, 2026. Maximums change every year; confirm current figures with the Vermont 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.