Benefit Rates

Every six months, the Illinois Department of Employment Security publishes the statewide average weekly wage (SAWW). The SAWW sets the maximum and minimum weekly benefit levels for workers' compensation. To calculate the SAWW, total wages are divided by the total number of employees in the past six months. Some employees worked every day, and some worked only a few days, but all are counted together. (Federal workers and self-employed workers are excluded.) According to Section 8(b)6, the IWCC is to post the rates by January 15 and July 15 of each year.

Although every attempt is made to calculate the workers' compensation rates in an accurate and reliable manner, only the Illinois statute governs. Where there is a disagreement between the statute and the IWCC's calculations, the statute is correct.

For older rates, click here.

SAWW Rates

Recipients of death and PTD benefits may be entitled to cost-of-living adjustments through the Rate Adjustment Fund. Death benefits are paid for 25 years or $500,000, whichever is greater.

MAXIMUM

MINIMUM

The minimum is the employee's average weekly wage or the rate below, whichever is lower. Number of children and/or spouse:

New TTD minimums take effect with increases in the minimum wage each July 1, but appear in the July 15 rate. The Illinois minimum wage increased to $14.00/hour on January 1, 2024. 

PERMANENT PARTIAL DISABILITY IF NOT AMPUTATION OF A MEMBER OR ENUCLEATION OF AN EYE

*The change in PPD disability maximum amount is derived by comparing the current FY SAWW rate with the prior FY SAWW rate. PPD rates are updated annually on or about January 15
Effective 2/1/06, the maximum 8(d)1 (wage differential) award is equal to the SAWW, and the minimums are the same as the TTD minimums.

MINIMUM The PPD minimum rate is the same as the TTD minimum rate (see above).