If you have been injured on the job or in performing work duties, workers’ compensation insurance provides wage replacement benefits for a portion of your lost income. However, you must be out of work for at least seven days to qualify for benefits. Most of your wage replacement benefits will be calculated based on pre-injury wages. Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act imposes a maximum weekly benefit amount, based on your pre-injury earnings.
Given the confusion surrounding lost wage benefits, you may be terrified if you suffer a work injury that makes you unable to provide for your family. While workers’ compensation benefits do not provide for every cent of lost income, they do provide financial security. If you have been injured in the scope of your employment, do not hesitate to contact our Franklin County workers’ compensation attorneys.
Calculating Average Weekly Wage Benefits
Average weekly wage (AWW) benefits are calculated based on the total income that you have earned from all sources of employment before your work injury. AWW includes wages, overtime pay, bonuses, salary, tips, and room and board (if your employer pays for those expenses). It does not include employer contributions to retirement plans, unemployment benefits, Social Security, Veterans’ benefits, or income from independent contractor positions.
Generally, AWW is 66 2/3% of your pre-injury wages. To ensure that you receive benefits, you should report your work injury within 21 days. Unfortunately, even if you are a high-income earner, your earnings will be capped under workers’ compensation. Known as the statewide average weekly wage (SAWW), this amount changes each year. As of January 1, 2026, the SAWW is $1,394.00.
Do Lost Wage Benefits Take Into Account Low-Income Earners?
While most employees will receive 66 2/3% of lost wage benefits, the percentage will be based on your income level. Workers’ compensation wage replacement benefits are based on a three-tiered schedule. The workers’ compensation rate schedule changes each year, with the annual maximum based on the SAWW at the time of your injury, not when you are applying for benefits.
The workers’ compensation rate schedule is based on four tiers. As of 2026, the top tier comprises workers who earn $2,091.01 or more each week, being capped at $1,394.00 per week. The second block consists of workers who earn between $1,045.51 to $2,091.00 per week, being reimbursed for 66 2/3% of lost wages. The third block consists of workers who earn $774.44 to $1,045.50 per week, with a weekly compensation rate of $697.00. The fourth and final block comprises workers who earn $774.43 or less, with a weekly compensation rate of 90% of their pre-injury earnings.
Ensuring You Recover Maximum Wage Replacement Benefits
Many of us cannot afford to lose any income, especially when facing a work-related injury. Whereas workers’ compensation lost wage benefits will not reimburse you for 100% of lost income, all reasonable and necessary medical expenses will be covered. This can make a big difference when out of work, saving money that you would need to put aside for medical care.
Your family’s financial prosperity matters to us. You sacrifice a great deal for your job, so you should be taken care of in the event of a work injury. While you will not be paying toward a deductible, our workers’ compensation attorneys at Shollenberger Januzzi & Wolfe LLP will ensure that you receive the highest compensation possible for lost earnings.
Speak with Our Franklin County Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Today
A workplace injury can rip the rug out from under your feet, making you fear for your financial future. Thankfully, our legal team at Shollenberger Januzzi & Wolfe LLP has assisted thousands of injured workers and is ready to put our knowledge to work for you. To schedule a free consultation with one of our Franklin County workers’ compensation attorneys, we can be reached online or by calling (717) 229-6580.