Maximum Workers Compensation Benefits in Pennsylvania

February 20, 2025 | Workers’ Compensation

Maximum Workers Compensation Benefits in Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania workers’ compensation laws provide benefits to workers injured on the job. The workers’ compensation insurance company pays for medical treatment if the worker sustains a work-related injury or illness. The injured worker may also receive indemnity benefits (i.e., loss of income) if their injuries prevent them from working. However, Pennsylvania law sets minimum and maximum amounts for wage loss benefits.

What Are the Maximum Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Pennsylvania for Medical Expenses?

The workers’ comp insurance company pays for necessary and reasonable medical costs related to your work injury. The company continues to pay your medical bills until you reach maximum medical improvement or MMI.

MMI is when your doctor states that you have recovered fully from your injuries. At this time, you should be able to return to your full work activities. However, you could reach MMI without making a full recovery.

Instead, your doctor determines that no further medical treatment or time will likely improve your condition. In this case, you have a lifelong impairment or disability. Permanent conditions can result in some form of workers’ compensation benefits for the rest of your life.

What Are the Maximum Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Pennsylvania for Lost Wages?

If your work-related injury prevents you from working, you can receive temporary disability benefits for lost wages. Your disability benefits are based on two-thirds of your average weekly wage. The state has minimum and maximum adjustments for wage-loss benefits. The amount is based on the year you sustained your injury.

In 2025, the maximum weekly compensation is $1,347. The following is the compensation rate for 2025 based on wages:

  • $1,010.26 to $2,020.50 – Total disability benefits equal two-thirds of the average weekly wage
  • $748.33 to $1,010.25 – Total disability benefits equal $673.50 per week
  • $748.32 and less – total disability benefits equal 90% of the average weekly wage

There is no maximum payment period for receiving wage loss benefits. You can receive payments for the duration of your disability. However, there are rules about how long you can receive temporary disability benefits before being evaluated for a permanent impairment rating.

How Long Can I Receive Temporary Workers’ Compensation Disability Payments in Pennsylvania?

Total disability payments are paid to an injured worker until:

  • The worker reaches full medical recovery with no restrictions;
  • The worker returns to full, pre-injury employment; or,
  • The worker can medically perform other employment available to the worker with no loss of income.

An injured worker can receive temporary disability benefits for up to two years (104 weeks). After two years, if the employee has not reached maximum medical improvement, the workers’ compensation insurance company can request an Impairment Rating Evaluation. An IRE determines the extent of the worker’s disability or impairment.

If you are at least 35% disabled, you can receive disability payments for another 500 weeks. If your impairment rating is more than 50 percent, you are considered totally disabled. You can receive total disability benefits as long as you are disabled.

What Are Specific Loss Benefits for Workers’ Comp in Pennsylvania?

You may qualify for additional compensation if you sustain physical disfigurement or a specific loss of the full or partial use of your:

  • Hand
  • Thumb
  • Finger
  • Arm
  • Foot
  • Let
  • Toe
  • Hearing
  • Sight

You may also receive benefits if you sustain physical disfigurement of your neck, head, or face. The benefits depend on the specific body part impacted by the disfigurement or impairment.

For example, a specific loss for a hand is 335 weeks of compensation based on two-thirds of your average weekly wages. The amount is subject to the state maximum and minimum amounts for workers’ comp.

The workers’ compensation insurer may offer you a lump sum settlement. With a lump sum settlement, the amount you receive may be lower than the amount received over time. Additionally, you may give up the right to collect additional payments in the future.

There could be one or more disputes that could impact how much you receive for a work injury. For example, the insurance company may fail to include all earnings when calculating average weekly wages or may miscalculate your rate. The company could also use a shorter pre-injury period to determine average weekly wages.

Mistakes can cause you to receive less than you are entitled to receive. If you believe your disability payments have been calculated incorrectly, contact an attorney to discuss your legal options.

At Marzzacco Niven & Associates, our legal team fights to protect the rights of injured workers and their families. Call for a free consultation with an experienced Carbondale workers’ compensation lawyer.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, please contact Marzzacco Niven & Associates at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today:

Harrisburg Law Office
945 East Park Drive, Suite 103 Harrisburg, PA 17111
(717) 912-6901

York Law Office
2550 Kingston Road, Suite 210A York, PA 17401
(717) 995-8998

Wyomissing Law Office
833 N. Park Road, Suite 103, Room A Wyomissing, PA 19610
(717) 388-2325

Chambersburg Law Office
79 St. Paul Drive, Suite 1 Chambersburg, PA 17201
(717) 388-2378

Carlisle Law Office
354 Alexander Springs Road Carlisle, PA 17015
(717) 995-8732

Carbondale Law Office
30 Lincoln Avenue, Suite 101 Carbondale, PA 18407
(717) 995-8810

Lancaster Law Office
2173 Embassy Drive, Ste 123, Lancaster PA 17603
(717) 616-2954

Lebanon Law Office
937 Willow Street, Suite D Lebanon, PA 17042-1140
(717) 995-8963