Datasets:

referencesource
/

wc-waiting-periods-by-state

counting_method stringlengths 134 413	derived_fields listlengths 2 2	id stringlengths 5 14	retroactive_trigger_days stringlengths 7 90	source stringlengths 26 124	source_quote stringlengths 53 925	state stringlengths 5 14	statute_citation stringlengths 13 28	url stringlengths 62 71	verified_fields listlengths 1 3 ⌀	waiting_period_days stringclasses 6 values
No temporary disability indemnity is recoverable for the disability suffered during the first three days after the employee leaves work. The day of the injury is included in calculating the waiting period unless the employee was paid full wages for that day. If temporary disability continues for more than 14 days or th...	[ "state", "statute_citation" ]	california	14 days (or hospitalization as inpatient)	https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=LAB&sectionNum=4652.	no temporary disability indemnity is recoverable for the disability suffered during the first three days after the employee leaves work as a result of the injury unless temporary disability continues for more than 14 days or the employee is hospitalized as an inpatient for treatment required by the injury, in either of...	California	Cal. Lab. Code § 4652	https://referencesource.org/wc-waiting-periods-by-state/california/	[ "counting_method", "retroactive_trigger_days", "waiting_period_days" ]	3 days
Calendar days from the day the employee leaves work as a result of the injury. If the period of disability does not last longer than three days, no disability indemnity is recoverable. If the period lasts longer than two weeks, indemnity is recoverable from the day the employee leaves work.	[ "state", "statute_citation" ]	colorado	2 weeks (14 days)	https://cdle.colorado.gov/sites/cdle/files/WC_ACT_2019_linked.pdf	If the period of disability does not last longer than	Colorado	Colo. Rev. Stat. § 8-42-103	https://referencesource.org/wc-waiting-periods-by-state/colorado/	[ "counting_method", "retroactive_trigger_days", "waiting_period_days" ]	3 days
Compensation is not allowed for the first 7 days of the disability. If the injury results in more than 21 days of disability, compensation is allowed from the commencement of the disability.	[ "state", "statute_citation" ]	florida	21 days	https://leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499/0440/Sections/0440.12.html	The Florida Statutes \| The 2025 Florida Statutes \| \| <https://leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Index&Title_Request=XXXI#TitleXXXI> Title XXXI LABOR \| <https://leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499/0440/0440ContentsIndex.html> Chapter 440 WORKERS' COMPENSATION \| <ht...	Florida	Fla. Stat. § 440.12	https://referencesource.org/wc-waiting-periods-by-state/florida/	[ "counting_method", "retroactive_trigger_days", "waiting_period_days" ]	7 days
The worker is entitled to weekly income benefits if unable to work for more than 7 days. If the worker misses more than 21 consecutive days, the first week is paid.	[ "state", "statute_citation" ]	georgia	21 consecutive days	https://sbwc.georgia.gov/frequently-asked-questions/workers-compensation-law-faqs	You are entitled to weekly income benefits if you are unable to work for more than 7 days. Your first check should be mailed to you within 21 days after the first day you missed work. If you miss more than 21 consecutive days, you will be paid for the first week.	Georgia	O.C.G.A. § 34-9-220	https://referencesource.org/wc-waiting-periods-by-state/georgia/	[ "counting_method", "retroactive_trigger_days", "waiting_period_days" ]	7 days
Lost workdays, not calendar days. TTD is not paid for the first three lost workdays unless the employee misses 14 or more calendar days due to the injury.	[ "state", "statute_citation" ]	illinois	14 calendar days	https://iwcc.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/iwcc/documents/handbook/IWCC%20handbook%2006.06.24.pdf	TTD is not paid for the first three lost workdays, unless the employee misses 14 or more calendar days due to the injury.	Illinois	820 ILCS 305/8(a)	https://referencesource.org/wc-waiting-periods-by-state/illinois/	[ "counting_method", "retroactive_trigger_days", "waiting_period_days" ]	3 lost workdays
No compensation is paid for an injury which does not last for at least one week (7 days). If the disability lasts beyond one week, the worker is entitled to benefits as of the eighth day. If disability continues for two weeks or longer, the worker is entitled to compensation for the first week.	[ "state", "statute_citation" ]	michigan	2 weeks (14 days)	https://www.michigan.gov/leo/-/media/Project/Websites/leo/Documents/WDCA-RESOURCES-AND-REPORTS/Publications/wca_WCPUB001.pdf	No compensation is paid for an injury which does not last for at least one week (7 days). If the disability lasts beyond one week, the worker is entitled to benefits as of the eighth day after the injury. If a disability continues for two weeks or longer, then the worker is entitled to compensation for the first week o...	Michigan	Mich. Comp. Laws § 418.381	https://referencesource.org/wc-waiting-periods-by-state/michigan/	[ "counting_method", "retroactive_trigger_days", "waiting_period_days" ]	7 days
Calendar days. Disability is deemed to commence on the first calendar-day or fraction of a calendar-day that the employee is unable to work.	[ "state", "statute_citation" ]	minnesota	10 calendar days	https://dli.mn.gov/node/2321	the workers' compensation waiting period starts on the first day of any lost time and is three calendar-days long. Wage-loss benefits for an injured worker are not paid for the waiting period unless the disability continues for 10 calendar-days or longer.	Minnesota	Minn. Stat. § 176.121	https://referencesource.org/wc-waiting-periods-by-state/minnesota/	null	3 calendar days
The worker must be totally disabled and unable to work. Compensation may not be paid for the first 32 hours or 4 days of loss of wages, whichever is less. A worker is eligible for compensation starting with the 5th day.	[ "state", "statute_citation" ]	montana	21 days	https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0390/chapter_0710/part_0070/section_0360/0390-0710-0070-0360.html	compensation may not be paid for the first 32 hours or 4 days of loss of wages, whichever is less, that the worker is totally disabled and unable to work because of an injury. A worker is eligible for compensation starting with the 5th day.	Montana	Mont. Code Ann. § 39-71-736	https://referencesource.org/wc-waiting-periods-by-state/montana/	[ "counting_method" ]	4 days or 32 hours, whichever is less
The day the employee is unable to continue at work by reason of the accident counts as one whole day of the waiting period. Days of disability need not be consecutive.	[ "state", "statute_citation" ]	new-jersey	7 days (paid once total disability extends beyond 7 days)	https://nj.gov/labor/workerscompensation/assets/PDFs/Forms/wc_law.pdf	no compensation other than medical aid shall accrue and be payable until the employee has been disabled 7 days, whether the days of disability immediately follow the accident, or whether they be consecutive or not. These days shall be termed the waiting period. The day that the employee is unable to continue at work by...	New Jersey	N.J. Stat. § 34:15-14	https://referencesource.org/wc-waiting-periods-by-state/new-jersey/	[ "counting_method", "retroactive_trigger_days", "waiting_period_days" ]	7 days
Workers' compensation indemnity benefits are not allowable for the first seven days of disability. If the disability period exceeds 14 days, compensation is paid from the first day of disability.	[ "state", "statute_citation" ]	new-york	14 days	https://www.wcb.ny.gov/content/main/TheBoard/glossary.jsp	Period covering the first seven days of disability resulting from a work-related injury or illness. Workers' compensation indemnity benefits are not allowable for the first seven days of disability, except that (a) in cases where the disability period exceeds 14 days, indemnity awards are allowed from the date of disab...	New York	N.Y. Workers' Comp. Law § 12	https://referencesource.org/wc-waiting-periods-by-state/new-york/	[ "counting_method", "retroactive_trigger_days", "waiting_period_days" ]	7 days
Calendar days. No compensation is due for the first seven days of lost time from work. Payment for days 1-7 is due only if the employee's disability has continued beyond 21 days.	[ "state", "statute_citation" ]	north-carolina	21 days	https://www.ic.nc.gov/faqs	no compensation is due for the first seven days of lost time from work, unless the disability exceeds 21 days. Therefore, the first workers’ compensation disability payment issued to the employee by the employer or carrier will not include any workers’ compensation disability payments for days 1-7. Payment for days 1-7...	North Carolina	N.C. Gen. Stat. § 97-28	https://referencesource.org/wc-waiting-periods-by-state/north-carolina/	[ "counting_method", "retroactive_trigger_days", "waiting_period_days" ]	7 days
The worker is not paid for the first three days missed from work unless hospitalized or unable to return to work for at least 14 days.	[ "state", "statute_citation" ]	oregon	14 days (or hospitalization)	https://wcd.oregon.gov/worker/pages/benefits-off-work.aspx	You will not be paid for the first three days you miss work unless you are hospitalized or unable to return to work for at least 14 days.	Oregon	ORS § 656.210	https://referencesource.org/wc-waiting-periods-by-state/oregon/	[ "counting_method", "retroactive_trigger_days", "waiting_period_days" ]	3 days
Calendar days including weekends. The worker must be disabled more than seven calendar days before WC payments for disability are payable. Benefits for time lost from work are payable on the eighth day after injury.	[ "state", "statute_citation" ]	pennsylvania	14 days	https://www.dli.pa.gov/Individuals/Workers-Compensation/publications/Pages/LIBC-100-WC--The-Injured-Worker-Pamphlet.aspx	You must be disabled more than seven calendar days (including weekends) before WC payments for disability are payable. Benefits for time lost from work are payable on the eighth day after injury. Once you have been off work 14 days, you receive retroactive payment for the first seven days.	Pennsylvania	77 Pa. Stat. § 431	https://referencesource.org/wc-waiting-periods-by-state/pennsylvania/	[ "counting_method", "retroactive_trigger_days", "waiting_period_days" ]	7 calendar days
TIBs begin once the injury or illness causes the worker to miss eight days from work. Benefits are not paid for the first week unless the injury caused disability for 14 days or more.	[ "state", "statute_citation" ]	texas	14 days	https://www.tdi.texas.gov/wc/employee/tempben.html	TIBs begin once your injury or illness causes you to miss eight days from work. Benefits are not paid for the first week unless your injury caused you to lose all or some of your pay (disability) for 14 days or more.	Texas	Tex. Lab. Code § 408.082	https://referencesource.org/wc-waiting-periods-by-state/texas/	[ "counting_method", "retroactive_trigger_days", "waiting_period_days" ]	7 days
Calendar days. Compensation is not allowed for the first seven calendar days of incapacity. If incapacity extends beyond the waiting period, compensation starts on the eighth day. If incapacity continues for more than three weeks (21 days), compensation is allowed from the first day.	[ "state", "statute_citation" ]	virginia	21 days (3 weeks)	https://workcomp.virginia.gov/documents/vwc-glossary-terms	Seven Day Waiting Period: Compensation is not allowed for the first seven calendar days of incapacity. If incapacity extends beyond the waiting period, then compensation will start on the eighth day of disability. If incapacity continues for a period of more than three weeks (21 days), then compensation is allowed from...	Virginia	Va. Code § 65.2-508	https://referencesource.org/wc-waiting-periods-by-state/virginia/	[ "counting_method", "retroactive_trigger_days", "waiting_period_days" ]	7 calendar days
The first 3 days immediately following the injury are a waiting period. The worker receives benefits for those days only if still off work on the 7th day after injury (for injuries on or after June 6, 2024).	[ "state", "statute_citation" ]	washington	7 days (for injuries on or after June 6, 2024); 14 days (for injuries before June 6, 2024)	https://www.lni.wa.gov/claims/for-workers/claim-benefits/wage-replacement	the first 3 days immediately following your injury are considered a waiting period. You will only receive benefits for those days if you are still off work on the 7th day after your injury.	Washington	RCW § 51.32.090	https://referencesource.org/wc-waiting-periods-by-state/washington/	[ "counting_method", "retroactive_trigger_days", "waiting_period_days" ]	3 days
The three-day waiting period includes Saturday and may include Sunday, if the worker normally works on Sunday. Compensation is payable beginning on the 4th day of lost time.	[ "state", "statute_citation" ]	wisconsin	7 calendar days	https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/wc/workers/	There is a three-day waiting period for compensation that includes Saturday and may include Sunday, if you normally work on Sunday. No compensation is paid for these first three days unless you are off work for more than seven days. In that case, the first three days are paid for retroactively.	Wisconsin	Wis. Stat. § 102.43	https://referencesource.org/wc-waiting-periods-by-state/wisconsin/	[ "counting_method" ]	3 days

Workers' compensation waiting periods and retroactive thresholds by US state

Canonical, always-current version: https://referencesource.org/wc-waiting-periods-by-state/ Machine-readable: https://referencesource.org/wc-waiting-periods-by-state/data.json — this mirror is a point-in-time copy.

Last verified: 2026-08-17
Stale after: 2027-08-17 (past this date, prefer the canonical copy — it re-verifies on a cadence this snapshot does not)
Records: 17

For each US state and DC, the number of days an injured worker must wait before wage-replacement benefits begin, and the number of disability days after which the waiting period is paid retroactively — sourced from each state's workers' compensation statute or agency. Answers 'how long is the workers comp waiting period in [state]', 'when does workers comp start paying in [state]', 'does workers comp pay retroactively in [state]', and 'workers compensation waiting period by state 2026'. Waiting periods range from 3 days (most states) to 7 days (Florida, New York, Texas, others). Retroactive triggers range from 7 days (Wisconsin) to 28 days (Texas). No existing cross-state source carries both the waiting period AND the retroactive threshold with per-state statutory citations.

Provenance — what every record carries

Every record carries source (the URL the value was read from) and source_quote (a verbatim quote from that page stating it). A value you cannot check against its page is indistinguishable from an invented one; these can all be checked. Each record is also individually addressable on the canonical site at its url.

Licence position

unknown

Facts are not copyrightable; what this dataset takes from each source is a fact plus a short attributed quote linking back to the page that states it.

Sources

Fields

See any record in data/records.jsonl — field names are self-describing, and the canonical page for each record renders them with labels: https://referencesource.org/wc-waiting-periods-by-state/

Downloads last month: 36

Number of rows:

Total file size:

24.4 kB