California Workers' Comp Benefits: Medical, Disability & More

California workers' comp provides medical treatment, temporary disability (wage replacement while you recover — generally two-thirds of your average weekly earnings, subject to statutory minimum and maximum weekly amounts) (Labor Code § 4653), permanent disability benefits, a supplemental job-displacement (retraining) voucher, and death benefits for dependents.

This is general information, not legal advice. Talk to a California attorney about your specific situation — benefit amounts and eligibility turn on your facts.

California workers’ comp pays several distinct kinds of benefits. Most injured workers receive more than one.

Medical treatment

Workers’ comp covers medical treatment for your work injury — the care you need to recover, at no cost to you.

Temporary disability (wage replacement)

While you’re recovering and can’t work, temporary disability replaces part of your lost wages — generally two-thirds of your average weekly earnings, subject to a statutory minimum and maximum weekly amount (Labor Code § 4653). Those weekly limits adjust annually, so confirm the current figures before relying on a number.

Permanent disability

If your injury leaves lasting effects, permanent disability benefits compensate for the lasting loss.

Job-displacement voucher

If your injury keeps you from returning to your old job, a supplemental job-displacement (retraining) voucher can help pay for retraining or skill enhancement.

Death benefits

If a work injury causes death, California workers’ comp provides death benefits for the worker’s dependents.

What this means for you

Which benefits apply — and how much they pay — depends on your wages, your medical status, and your dependents. See the timing rules in Claim Deadlines and the basics in How Workers’ Comp Works. To get matched with a local California workers’-comp attorney, connect with a lawyer.

Frequently asked questions

How much does California temporary disability pay?

Temporary disability generally pays two-thirds of your average weekly earnings while you recover, subject to statutory minimum and maximum weekly amounts (Labor Code § 4653). The minimum and maximum adjust annually, so confirm the current figures.

What types of benefits does California workers' comp provide?

Medical treatment, temporary disability, permanent disability, a supplemental job-displacement (retraining) voucher, and death benefits for dependents.

Are there death benefits in California workers' comp?

Yes. If a work injury causes death, California workers' comp provides death benefits for the worker's dependents.

Related guides

California Workers' Comp Claim Deadlines Report your injury to your employer within 30 days (Labor Code § 5400). Your employer must give you a DWC-1 claim form within one working day of learning of the injury (Labor Code § 5401). The statute of limitations to file a workers' comp claim is generally one year from the date of injury (Labor Code § 5405).

California Workers' Comp Coverage Requirements California requires every employer, with limited exceptions, to carry workers' compensation insurance or be approved to self-insure — Labor Code § 3700 — even with a single employee. Failing to carry coverage is a crime and exposes the employer to penalties and direct liability.

How California Workers' Compensation Works California workers' compensation (Labor Code § 3200 et seq.) is a no-fault system: covered employees get medical care and wage-loss benefits for work injuries regardless of fault. In exchange, workers' comp is the sole and exclusive remedy against the employer for a covered injury (Labor Code § 3602), with narrow exceptions. The system is overseen by the Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC).

California Workers' Comp Benefits