Kansas wage-replacement benefits start with your average weekly wage and the type of disability benefit. For an eligible temporary total disability claim, the basic weekly rate is two-thirds of your gross average weekly wage, subject to statutory limits. Medical treatment is handled separately. The injury date matters: the newest maximum does not automatically apply to an older claim.
1. Medical Benefits
Medical benefits are an essential part of workers’ compensation in Kansas. These benefits cover all reasonable and necessary medical expenses related to your workplace injury or illness, including:
- Doctor’s visits and specialist consultations.
- Hospital stays and surgeries.
- Diagnostic tests, such as X-rays or MRIs.
- Prescription medications.
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation services.
Authorized, reasonably necessary treatment is a medical benefit, not a deduction from your weekly wage payment. A medical-provider fee schedule controls reimbursement for services; it is not the formula for your disability check. Provider authorization also matters. Read who chooses the doctor and the limits on unauthorized care.
2. Temporary Total Disability (TTD) Benefits
Temporary total disability (TTD) may apply while a covered injury prevents you from working. The basic calculation is gross average weekly wage × 2/3, subject to the applicable minimum and maximum. K.S.A. 44-510c governs eligibility and payment, including work restrictions, suitable modified work and the waiting period.
Under K.S.A. 44-511, average weekly wage generally uses earnings in the calendar weeks worked during the preceding 26-week period, divided by the applicable number of weeks. Short employment, additional compensation and other circumstances have specific rules; it is not always simply six months of pay divided by 26. For an eligible worker with a $900 average weekly wage, two-thirds is $600 before any applicable limit or adjustment.
The Kansas Department of Labor’s current benefit table lists a $905 maximum weekly benefit for injuries from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. The preceding period’s maximum was $869. Use the rate for your injury date; a later annual increase does not automatically raise an existing claim’s weekly rate.
TTD eligibility can change with medical restrictions, return to suitable work or maximum medical improvement. It is not an unconditional payment through recovery. The first-week rule is explained in when Kansas workers’ compensation benefits begin.
3. Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) Benefits
If you are able to return to work in a limited capacity but cannot earn your full pre-injury wages, you may be eligible for Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) benefits. These benefits are calculated as two-thirds of the difference between your pre-injury AWW and your reduced earnings.
For example, if your AWW before the injury was $900 but you are only able to earn $500 per week in a light-duty position, your TPD benefits would be two-thirds of the $400 difference, or approximately $267 per week. These benefits help injured workers maintain financial stability as they transition back to work.
4. Permanent Disability Benefits
If your injury results in long-term or permanent impairments, you may qualify for Permanent Disability benefits. Kansas workers’ compensation laws categorize these benefits into two types:
Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)
PPD benefits are awarded if you have a permanent impairment but are still able to work in some capacity. The amount of compensation you receive depends on the severity of your impairment and how it affects your ability to work. Kansas uses a “scheduled injury” system for certain body parts, such as arms, legs, or hands, which assigns a specific number of weeks of compensation based on the affected area.
For a non-scheduled injury, compensation can involve whole-body functional impairment or, when statutory conditions are satisfied, work disability. An impairment percentage alone does not establish every worker’s award. K.S.A. 44-510e sets the applicable calculation and eligibility rules.
Permanent Total Disability (PTD)
Permanent total disability has separate statutory eligibility requirements. The weekly rate generally begins with two-thirds of average weekly wage, subject to the weekly limit, and total disability compensation is subject to K.S.A. 44-510f. It is not a promise of lifetime wage payments. The injury date determines which rules and limits apply.
5. Death Benefits
If a workplace injury or illness results in the death of a worker, their dependents may be entitled to death benefits under Kansas workers’ compensation law. These benefits include:
- Funeral and Burial Expenses: Kansas workers’ compensation provides up to $10,000 for reasonable funeral and burial costs.
- Wage Replacement for Dependents: Surviving dependents, such as a spouse or children, may receive ongoing payments to replace the income of the deceased worker. These payments are typically calculated as two-thirds of the worker’s AWW, up to the state maximum.
Death benefits are a vital source of financial support for families dealing with the loss of a loved one due to a workplace accident.
When a Benefits Calculation Needs a Closer Look
Bring wage records, work restrictions and payment statements to an attorney if the rate seems too low or a benefit has stopped. A Wichita workers’ compensation attorney can examine the wage calculation, medical evidence and the reason given for a dispute.
- Ensure that your average weekly wage is calculated accurately.
- Help you gather the medical evidence needed to support your claim.
- Negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive the full benefits you deserve.
- Represent you in appeals if your claim is denied or undervalued.
Discuss Your Workers’ Compensation Claim in Wichita
Riedmiller, Andersen & Scott, LLC helps injured workers with Kansas workers’ compensation claims. If you are concerned about your benefits, review our workers’ compensation services and consultation checklist.
For a free consultation, call Roger Riedmiller at (316) 648-1369. Have your injury date, recent wage records and any benefit or denial letters available.
