The Division of Workers’ Compensation has announced the 2026 rate increases for the minimum and maximum rates of temporary total disability. For 2026, the minimum weekly rate will increase from $252.03 to $264.61, and the maximum will increase from $1,680.29 to $1,764.11. The minimum and maximum rates are increasing by 4.9%, which is in line with the percentage increase in the State Average Weekly Wage (SAWW) as mandated by Labor Code Section 4453(a)(10). This is significantly higher than the 3.7% increase from 2025. As always, the percentage increase in the SAWW must be used to calculate the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) to benefits such as life pension or permanent total disability. Employers and adjusters should be aware of the increase to ensure that disability benefits payments are issued at the correct rate.
