Benefits and money

What benefits does California workers' comp pay?

By the CalCompGuide editorial team · Last updated November 2026 · How we write and check guides

1. Medical treatment

The claims administrator must pay for all reasonable and necessary treatment for your work injury: doctor visits, hospital care, surgery, physical therapy, tests, prescriptions and equipment (LC §4600). There are no copays or deductibles. Treatment requests go through utilization review, and many employers use a medical provider network (MPN). You're also reimbursed for travel to medical appointments: 72.5¢ a mile for travel Jan. 1 to June 30, 2026 and 76¢ a mile from July 1, 2026, plus parking and tolls (mileage calculator).

2. Temporary disability (TD)

If your doctor says you can't work at all, or your employer can't accommodate your restrictions, you receive TD: two-thirds of your gross average weekly wage, tax-free, usually paid every two weeks.

Rates come from the DWC benefits table. If you can work part-time at reduced pay, you may get partial TD. TD is limited to 104 weeks within five years of the injury in most cases. More: how TD is calculated and when it stops.

3. Permanent disability (PD)

If a doctor finds you have lasting limitations once your condition stops improving, you're paid PD based on a rating that reflects your impairment, age and occupation. For injuries since 2013, PD is paid at $160 to $290 a week for most ratings. A 100% rating means permanent total disability, paid for life. See permanent disability in plain English.

4. Supplemental job displacement benefit (SJDB)

If your injury causes permanent disability and your employer doesn't offer you regular, modified or alternative work, you may receive a $6,000 nontransferable voucher (for injuries on or after Jan. 1, 2013) for retraining or skill enhancement at an approved school (LC §4658.7). Workers who receive the voucher may also qualify for a one-time $5,000 Return-to-Work Supplement from the state. See returning to work.

5. Death benefits

If a worker dies from a job injury or illness, dependents can receive death benefits and up to $10,000 for burial (injuries since 2013). For one total dependent the benefit is $250,000; two total dependents, $290,000; three or more, $320,000. Benefits are paid at the TD rate but not less than $224 a week, and payments to totally dependent minor children continue until the youngest turns 18 (DWC table).

What workers' comp doesn't pay

• Pain and suffering or punitive damages.
• Your full wages (TD is two-thirds, up to the cap).
• Treatment for conditions unrelated to work.

If someone other than your employer caused the injury, for example a negligent driver or the maker of a defective machine, you may have a separate injury lawsuit against them in addition to workers' comp.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Every case is different. For free help from the state, call the DWC Information & Assistance unit at 1-800-736-7401.