Good News for 2026: Workers’ Comp Checks Are Going Up
If you get hurt at work, the most important thing, besides getting better, is making sure you can still pay your bills.
There is good news coming. The state of California just announced that starting January 1, 2026, the weekly payments for injured workers are increasing.
Here is what that means for you, your paycheck, and your family.
What is "TTD"? (The Check You Get While You Recover)
"TTD" stands for Temporary Total Disability. This is the tax-free check the insurance company sends you when the doctor says, "You cannot work right now."
Usually, this check is two-thirds of what you normally make. So, if you make $900 a week, they usually pay you about $600.
The "Max" and The "Min" Explained
The state sets a Minimum (the lowest they can pay you) and a Maximum (the highest they can pay you). Because the cost of living went up, these limits are going up too for injuries that happen in 2026.
1. The New Maximum: For High Earners
If you have a high-paying job, the "two-thirds" rule sometimes isn't fair because it hits a ceiling. That ceiling just got raised to $1,764 per week.
Job Example: Imagine a Union Electrician or a Registered Nurse. They make good money.
The Injury: They blow out a shoulder lifting a patient or tear a knee on a job site. They need surgery and will be out for months.
The Impact: Because the "Max" rate went up, they will get an extra $83 per week in their pocket compared to last year. That’s over $300 a month more to help pay the mortgage.
2. The New Minimum: For Part-Time Workers
Even if you only work a few hours a week, the law says there is a floor the insurance company cannot go below. The new minimum is going up to roughly $264 per week.
Job Example: A worker stacking shelves at a grocery store or a server at a restaurant.
The Injury: They slip on a wet floor and hurt their lower back.
The Impact: Even if their paycheck was small, the insurance company has to pay them at least this new minimum amount.
Why You Need Work Comp Certified Specialist Attorney at Lee Partners Law
You might think, "Okay, the law changed, so the insurance company will just pay me the right amount, right?"
Wrong.
Insurance companies are huge businesses. They make mistakes constantly. When rates change like this, adjusters often "forget" to update their systems. They might pay you the old 2025 rates for a 2026 injury. That could cost you thousands of dollars.
This is where Lee Partners Law comes in.
David A. Lee and Michael Lee run Lee Partners Law. They are different from other attorneys for two big reasons:
They Know The Playbook: David and Michael used to work for the insurance companies. They know exactly how adjusters try to save money by underpaying injured workers.
They Are Specialists: David A. Lee is a Certified Specialist in Workers' Compensation Law. The team doesn't guess at these numbers; they calculate them down to the penny to make sure clients get every dime they are owed.
If you have a serious injury—like a bad back requiring injections or a shoulder that needs surgery—you cannot afford to let the insurance company do their own math.
Is Your Rate Correct?
Don’t leave your money on the table. If you were injured at work, let the team at Lee Partners Law review your case for free. They will look at your paycheck history and the date of your injury to see if the insurance company is shortchanging you.
Contact Lee Partners Law today for a free consult
Call or Text: (310) 295-0822
Visit: leeinjuryattorneys.com
We fight for the max, so you don't settle for the minimum.
Proudly Serving Injured Workers Across Southern California
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