Run your numbers through our Colorado-specific calculator with 2026 damage caps.
Benefit Update
If you are injured at work between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026, your benefits are capped at new levels. Here is the exact breakdown of TTD limits, impairment caps, and what high earners need to know.
Workers' compensation in Colorado adjusts its "benefit floor and ceiling" every year on July 1st. If your injury happens before the cut-off, you are locked into the old rates. If it happens after, you get the new—usually higher—maximums.
For the 2025-2026 fiscal year, the maximum weekly benefit has increased to $1,396.85. This number is crucial because it caps what high-wage earners can receive for lost time (Temporary Total Disability).[1]
| Benefit Type | Maximum Rate / Cap | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Max Weekly TTD | $1,396.85 | Requires wage of ~$2,095/wk to hit cap |
| Whole Person (<19%) | $192,996.79 | Lump sum cap for lower impairments |
| Whole Person (20%+) | $312,967.77 | Higher cap for severe permanent injury |
*Rates apply to injuries occurring July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026.
Colorado pays TTD at 66 2/3% of your average weekly wage. However, the math stops once you hit the $1,396.85 cap.
Example: If you earn $3,000 a week, 2/3 of your wage is $2,000. But because of the cap, you will only receive a check for $1,396.85. You essentially "lose" that extra $600+ per week. This is why it is critical to ensure your "Average Weekly Wage" (AWW) is calculated correctly to include overtime, bonuses, and health insurance value if coverage is dropped.[2]
"How much is my back injury worth?" is the most common question. Under the 2026 rates, the answer depends heavily on your final impairment rating.
Since back injuries are "Whole Person" (not scheduled limbs), a 10% impairment rating for a surgically repaired back would pay out based on the new age factors and the capped rate. However, if your rating pushes past 19%, the allowable cap jumps significantly (to over $312k), giving you more room to negotiate a settlement that covers future lost earning capacity.[3]
If your adjuster is using last year's rates for a recent injury, they are underpaying you. Check your "General Admission of Liability" form carefully against the table above.
Need to file a claim? Read our guide on How to File a Workers' Comp Claim to get the process started correctly.