California TTD Rate Calculator
Estimated Weekly TTD Rate:
Understanding TTD Rate Calculation in California
Temporary Total Disability (TTD) payments are tax-free benefits paid to workers in California who are unable to work while recovering from a job-related injury or illness. Navigating the Workers' Compensation system requires understanding how your specific weekly rate is derived from your earnings.
Step 1: Determine Your Average Weekly Wage (AWW)
The foundation of any TTD calculation is the Average Weekly Wage (AWW). This is not just your base hourly pay. In California, your AWW should reflect your total "earning capacity" at the time of injury, which includes:
- Gross wages or salary from all jobs held at the time of injury.
- Overtime pay and commissions averaged over a representative period (usually 52 weeks).
- Market value of board, lodging, fuel, or other advantages provided by the employer.
- Bonuses and tips.
Step 2: Apply the Two-Thirds Rule
Under California Labor Code Section 4653, the standard TTD rate is two-thirds (66.67%) of the worker's average weekly earnings. This formula is designed to provide subsistence while encouraging a return to work once the disability becomes "permanent and stationary."
Step 3: Check California State Minimums and Maximums
Your benefit is not unlimited. The California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) adjusts the minimum and maximum caps annually based on the State Average Weekly Wage (SAWW). Even if you are a very high earner, you cannot receive more than the maximum cap. Conversely, low earners may receive a minimum floor amount.
| Year of Injury | Min Weekly Rate | Max Weekly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $242.86 | $1,619.15 |
| 2023 | $242.86 | $1,619.15 |
| 2022 | $230.95 | $1,539.71 |
Calculation Examples
Example A: The Mid-Range Earner
If you were injured in 2024 and your AWW was $1,200:
$1,200 x 0.6667 = $800.04.
Since this falls between $242.86 and $1,619.15, your weekly TTD rate is $800.04.
Example B: The High Earner
If you were injured in 2024 and your AWW was $3,000:
$3,000 x 0.6667 = $2,000.10.
Since this exceeds the $1,619.15 cap, your weekly rate is limited to $1,619.15.
When Do Payments Start?
In California, there is a three-day waiting period. TTD payments are not made for the first three days of disability unless the disability lasts more than 14 days or you are hospitalized overnight. Payments are typically made every two weeks until you return to work, your doctor declares you permanent and stationary, or you reach the 104-week limit.