Below is an outline of Maryland workers’ compensation benefit rates from 2018-2022.
While the rates are adjusted for inflation effective January 1st of each year, that doesn’t always translate to an increase. For example, the 2020 and 2021 rates declined from each prior year. However, the 2022 rates rose significantly, which is good news for injured workers.
Temporary Total Disability Rates
You are entitled to weekly compensation from the workers’ compensation carrier when you are completely unable to work. This payment is known as temporary total disability (TTD), and it is the method for wage replacement under the Maryland workers’ comp system.
The rate for TTD in Maryland workers’ compensation is 2/3 of your Average Weekly Wage (AWW). AWW is determined by calculating the average of the last 14 weeks’ pay prior to your injury.
AWW is subject to a cap, which is modified every year. Below is a summary of the AWW maximum rates from 2018 – 2022 and the respective increase/decrease from the prior year:
Year AWW Max Rate Increase/Decrease From Prior Year
2018 $1,094 $42 increase
2019 $1,116 $22 increase
2020 $1,080 $36 decrease
2021 $1,050 $30 decrease
2022 $1,338 $288 increase
Temporary Partial Disability
Temporary partial disability (TPD) benefits are intended to replace part of your income if you are working but being paid less due to your injury. TPD is paid at 50% of the difference between your pre-injury wages (your AWW) and your decreased wages due to an injury.
Temporary partial disability payments are subject to a cap of 50% of the maximum annual AWW rate. Below is a summary of the TPD maximum rates from 2018-2022 and the respective increase/decrease from the prior year:
Year TPD Max Rate Increase/Decrease From Prior Year
2018 $547 $21 increase
2019 $558 $11 increase
2020 $540 $18 decrease
2021 $525 $15 decrease
2022 $669 $144 increase
Permanent Total Disability
Permanent total disability (PTD) is compensation you receive if and when you are permanently unable to work in any capacity due to your injury. Typically, an injured worker is not considered eligible for PTD until specific return employment measures, including vocational rehabilitation, have been attempted.
Like TTD benefits, the rate for PTD in Maryland workers’ compensation is 2/3 of your Average Weekly Wage (AWW), not to exceed the State Average Weekly Wage for the year in which the disability occurs. If you are entitled to PTD benefits, they will continue for life or until you are no longer permanently and totally disabled.
For a summary of the PTD maximum rates from 2018-2022 and the respective increase/decrease from the prior year, please refer to the AWW max rate summary chart above.
Permanent Partial Disability
Permanent partial disability (PPD) is designed to compensate you for any permanent bodily impairment after a work injury. The calculation of PPD is complex and involves several factors, including the specific body part affected and your average weekly wage (AWW) at the time of injury. An experienced workers’ comp attorney can ensure you receive the maximum PPD benefits that you are entitled to.
Under Maryland workers’ comp, PPD is based on a three-tier system comprised of a compensable number of weeks. The three tiers of PPD are as follows:
- First tier – Less than 75 compensable weeks (Minor disability)
- Second tier – 75-249 compensable weeks
- Third Tier – 250 or more compensable weeks
Summary of Maryland Workers’ Compensation Benefit Rates for PPD
Below is a breakdown of PPD benefit calculations:
- If you are awarded less than 75 weeks, you are entitled to compensation for those awarded weeks at a rate of 1/3 of your AWW, subject to annual cap.
- If you are awarded 75 weeks or more, but less than 250 weeks, you are entitled to compensation for those awarded weeks at a rate of 2/3 of your AWW, subject to annual cap.
- Cases awarded 250 weeks or more are considered “Serious Disability” under the Maryland workers’ compensation system. The rate for serious disability in Maryland comp is 75% of your AWW, subject to annual cap.
For a summary of the annual PPD rate cap for each tier from 2018-2022, as well as the respective increase/decrease from the prior year, please see the summary chart below:
Year First Tier Second Tier Serious Disability Increase/Decrease From Prior Year
2018 $183 $365 $821 $7 increase/$14 increase/$32 increase
2019 $187 $372 $837 $4 increase/$7 increase/$16 increase
2020 $181 $360 $810 $6 decrease/$12 decrease/$27 decrease
2021 $176 $350 $788 $5 decrease/$10 decrease/$22 decrease
2022 $224 $446 $1,004 $48 increase/$96 increase/$216 increase
