- Statewide Average Weekly Wage Used to Set Benefit Limits
- Temporary Total Disability Maximum Weekly Rates
- TTD Minimum Weekly Rates by Number of Dependents
- Permanent Total Disability and Death Benefit Weekly Rates
- Permanent Partial Disability Maximum Weekly Rates
- Scheduled Body Part Values for Injury Settlements
- Death Benefits, Burial Expenses and Payment Caps
- Mileage Reimbursement for Medical Travel
- Get Matched With an Illinois Workers Compensation Lawyer Today
Summary
- Illinois workers' comp limits change with the statewide average weekly wage.
- TTD, PTD, death, and PPD benefits depend on wages, dates, dependents, and caps.
- The charts also cover body-part values, death benefits, burial costs, and mileage.
Getting hurt on the job in Illinois raises a flood of questions about money, medical care, and time off work. The numbers behind every workers comp settlement shift twice a year – and knowing them can make the difference between a fair outcome and one that shortchanges your recovery.
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Statewide Average Weekly Wage Used to Set Benefit Limits
The Statewide Average Weekly Wage (SAWW) is the foundation for nearly every benefit cap in Illinois workers' compensation. The Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission (IWCC) updates it every January 15 and July 15.
Think of the SAWW as the yardstick. Maximum weekly payments for temporary total disability, permanent total disability, and death benefits all tie back to this figure. When the SAWW rises, so do the caps on what injured workers can collect.
To read the chart below, find the date range covering your injury or current payment period. That row shows the SAWW the IWCC used to set your benefit ceiling.
Statewide Average Weekly Wage (SAWW) Rates
| Start Date | End Date | STATEWIDE AVERAGE WEEKLY WAGE (SAWW) |
|---|---|---|
| 1/15/2026 | 7/14/2026 | $1,506.49 |
| 7/15/2025 | 1/14/2026 | $1,481.05 |
| 1/15/2025 | 7/14/2025 | $1,452.68 |
| 7/15/2024 | 1/14/2025 | $1,430.84 |
| 1/15/2024 | 7/14/2024 | $1,423.44 |
| 7/15/2023 | 1/14/2024 | $1,395.92 |
| 1/15/2023 | 7/14/2023 | $1,386.15 |
| 7/15/2022 | 1/14/2023 | $1,344.55 |
| 1/15/2022 | 7/14/2022 | $1,301.12 |
Source: Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC) Benefit Rates
Temporary Total Disability Maximum Weekly Rates
For those wondering how much does workers comp pay during recovery, Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits are designed to replace lost wages while you cannot work. Under 820 ILCS 305/8(b), TTD pays two-thirds of your average weekly wage, subject to a maximum tied to 133⅓% of the SAWW.
The chart shows the highest weekly TTD check allowed during each period. If your two-thirds calculation lands above the maximum, the cap kicks in. If it lands below, you receive the lower amount – but never less than the minimum described in the next section.
To use this chart, locate the period of your injury. The maximum in that row is the most you could receive weekly in TTD benefits, regardless of how high your regular earnings were.
| Start Date | End Date | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| 1/15/2026 | 7/14/2026 | $2,008.60 |
| 7/15/2025 | 1/14/2026 | $1,974.73 |
| 1/15/2025 | 7/14/2025 | $1,936.86 |
| 7/15/2024 | 1/14/2025 | $1,907.79 |
| 1/15/2024 | 7/14/2024 | $1,897.92 |
| 7/15/2023 | 1/14/2024 | $1,861.18 |
| 1/15/2023 | 7/14/2023 | $1,848.20 |
| 7/15/2022 | 1/14/2023 | $1,792.73 |
| 1/15/2022 | 7/14/2022 | $1,734.83 |
Source: Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC) Benefit Rates
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TTD Minimum Weekly Rates by Number of Dependents
Illinois also sets a floor under TTD payments. The minimum depends on how many dependents – a spouse, children, or both – you support. More dependents mean a higher minimum.
This protection helps lower-wage workers. If two-thirds of your average weekly wage falls below the minimum for your family size, you receive the minimum instead. However, your weekly benefit will never exceed your actual average weekly wage.
To read the chart, match your injury date to the correct period, then choose the column matching the number of dependents you claim.
| Start Date | End Date | Minimum without any children and/or spouse | Minimum with 1 children and/or spouse | Minimum with 2 children and/or spouse | Minimum with 3 children and/or spouse | Minimum with 4+ children and/or spouse |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/15/2026 | 7/14/2026 | $400.00 | $460.00 | $520.00 | $580.00 | $600.00 |
| 7/15/2025 | 1/14/2026 | $400.00 | $460.00 | $520.00 | $580.00 | $600.00 |
| 1/15/2025 | 7/14/2025 | $400.00 | $460.00 | $520.00 | $580.00 | $600.00 |
| 7/15/2024 | 1/14/2025 | $373.33 | $429.33 | $485.33 | $541.33 | $560.00 |
| 1/15/2024 | 7/14/2024 | $373.33 | $429.33 | $485.33 | $541.33 | $560.00 |
| 7/15/2023 | 1/14/2024 | $346.67 | $403.88 | $456.04 | $508.04 | $520.00 |
| 1/15/2023 | 7/14/2023 | $346.67 | $403.88 | $456.04 | $508.04 | $520.00 |
| 7/15/2022 | 1/14/2023 | $320.00 | $368.00 | $416.00 | $464.00 | $480.00 |
| 1/15/2022 | 7/14/2022 | $320.00 | $368.00 | $416.00 | $464.00 | $480.00 |
Source: Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC) Benefit Rates
Permanent Total Disability and Death Benefit Weekly Rates
When an injury permanently prevents any gainful work, permanent total disability (PTD) benefits apply. Death benefits go to surviving spouses and dependents when a worker dies from a job-related cause. Both use the same weekly maximum and minimum structure.
The maximum equals 133⅓% of the SAWW. The minimum equals 50% of the SAWW, which is why these minimums are much higher than the TTD minimums above.
To read the chart, find the row for your date range. The maximum is the ceiling; the minimum is the floor. Most weekly PTD and death benefit checks fall somewhere in between, based on two-thirds of the worker's average weekly wage.
Death, PTD, and Statutory PPD (Amputation/Enucleation) Rates
| Start Date | End Date | MAXIMUM | MINIMUM |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/15/2026 | 7/14/2026 | $2,008.60 | $753.25 |
| 7/15/2025 | 1/14/2026 | $1,974.73 | $740.53 |
| 1/15/2025 | 7/14/2025 | $1,936.86 | $726.34 |
| 7/15/2024 | 1/14/2025 | $1,907.79 | $715.42 |
| 1/15/2024 | 7/14/2024 | $1,897.92 | $711.72 |
| 7/15/2023 | 1/14/2024 | $1,861.18 | $697.96 |
| 1/15/2023 | 7/14/2023 | $1,848.20 | $693.08 |
| 7/15/2022 | 1/14/2023 | $1,792.73 | $672.28 |
| 1/15/2022 | 7/14/2022 | $1,734.83 | $650.56 |
Source: Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC) Benefit Rates
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Permanent Partial Disability Maximum Weekly Rates
Permanent partial disability (PPD) covers lasting impairments that do not stop you from working entirely. The weekly maximum for PPD updates once a year on July 1 – not twice like TTD – and increases by the same percentage as the Statewide Average Weekly Wage.
PPD is where most Illinois workers' comp settlements land. The payout depends on the body part injured, the percentage of impairment, and the weekly rate allowed during the injury period.
Use the chart by finding the 12-month period that includes your injury date. That row's maximum is the highest weekly rate your PPD award can use.
Permanent Partial Disability Rates for Non-Amputation Injuries
| Start Date | End Date | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| 7/1/2025 | 6/30/2026 | $1,084.66 |
| 7/1/2024 | 6/30/2025 | $1,045.92 |
| 7/1/2023 | 6/30/2024 | $1,024.87 |
| 7/1/2022 | 6/30/2023 | $998.02 |
| 7/1/2021 | 6/30/2022 | $937.11 |
Source: Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC) Benefit Rates
Scheduled Body Part Values for Injury Settlements
Illinois assigns a fixed number of weeks to specific body parts under 820 ILCS 305/8(e), effectively establishing standard workers' comp settlement body part prices. Losing or partially losing the function of a scheduled body part generates a settlement calculated as: weeks × impairment percentage × weekly PPD rate.
For example, a 10% loss of use of a hand (205 weeks) at the 2025–2026 PPD maximum would be 205 × 10% × $1,084.66 = $22,235.53.
To use the chart, find your injured body part. The weeks listed represent 100% loss. Your actual settlement depends on the impairment rating a doctor assigns.
| Body Part | Weeks (on/after 2/1/2006) |
|---|---|
| Thumb | 76 |
| Index (1st) finger | 43 |
| Middle (2nd) finger | 38 |
| Ring (3rd) finger | 27 |
| Little (4th) finger | 22 |
| Great toe | 38 |
| Each other toe | 13 |
| Hand | 205 |
| Arm | 253 |
| Arm — amputation above elbow | 253 + 17 = 270 |
| Arm — amputation at/near shoulder joint | 253 + 70 = 323 |
| Foot | 167 |
| Leg | 215 |
| Leg — amputation above knee | 215 + 27 = 242 |
| Leg — amputation at/near hip joint | 215 + 81 = 296 |
| Eye | 162 |
| Eye — enucleation (removal of eyeball) | 162 + 11 = 173 |
| Hearing loss — one ear | 54 |
| Hearing loss — both ears | 215 |
| Testicle (one) | 54 |
| Both testicles | 162 |
Source: Illinois Workers' Compensation Act 820 ILCS 305/8
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Death Benefits, Burial Expenses and Payment Caps
When a worker dies from a job-related injury, Illinois law provides several layers of benefits to surviving family, independently of whether they pursue a wrongful death lawsuit against a third party. These state benefits include weekly payments, a flat burial allowance, and a total payout cap.
The rules come from 820 ILCS 305/7 and cover issues like remarriage, minor children, and non-resident dependents. The chart summarizes the key figures and rules in one place.
To use this chart, match the situation in the left column to the amount and statute. This helps families understand what to expect beyond the weekly death benefit amount.
| Benefit | Amount | Statutory Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Burial expense (flat) | $8,000 | 820 ILCS 305/7(f) |
| Total death benefit cap | Greater of $500,000 or 25 years of payments | 820 ILCS 305/8(b)(4.2) |
| Surviving spouse on remarriage (no eligible children) | Lump sum equal to 2 years of compensation | 820 ILCS 305/7(a) |
| Minimum payment period for minor children | 6 years regardless of child's age at death | 820 ILCS 305/7(a) |
| Partial lump-sum option | Up to 100 weeks capitalized at 3% per annum | 820 ILCS 305/7 |
| Non-resident/non-citizen dependents | 50% of otherwise applicable benefits | 820 ILCS 305/7 |
Source: Illinois Workers' Compensation Act 820 ILCS 305/7 and 820 ILCS 305/8
Mileage Reimbursement for Medical Travel
Workers' compensation generally reimburses Illinois injured workers for miles driven to doctors, physical therapy, and independent medical exams. The rate mirrors the state employee travel rate set by the Illinois Department of Central Management Services, which generally tracks the IRS standard mileage rate.
It might be a good idea to keep a log with dates, destinations, and round-trip miles. You can then multiply your total miles by the rate for the year you traveled.
| Year | Rate per Mile |
|---|---|
| 2026 | $0.725 |
| 2025 | $0.70 |
| 2024 | $0.67 |
| 2023 | $0.655 |
| 2022 (7/1–12/31) | $0.625 |
| 2022 (1/1–6/30) | $0.585 |
| 2021 | $0.56 |
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Get Matched With an Illinois Workers Compensation Lawyer Today
Reading workers' comp settlement charts, Illinois workers rely on is one thing – applying it to your case is another. ConsumerShield matches you directly with experienced local personal injury lawyers, such as a Chicago workers' compensation lawyer, who specialize in cases like yours. Connect today for a free case review and clearer answers.
