Georgia has one of the lowest maximum weekly workers' comp benefits in the country at $800/week — notably out of step with the growth of metro Atlanta's economy over the past decade. If you're a higher earner in Georgia, this cap matters more to your bottom line than almost any other single number in your claim.
What the $800 Cap Actually Means
Georgia pays 66.67% of your Average Weekly Wage, same as most states — but the moment your AWW passes roughly $1,200/week, you stop getting two-thirds of your real wage and start getting a flat $800 instead. A worker earning $1,800/week receives the same $800 cap as a worker earning $1,201/week — meaning higher earners in Georgia lose a much larger share of their actual income than higher earners in states like Illinois or Washington with far higher (or uncapped) maximums.
⚠️ Higher earners take note: If your pre-injury wage was well above the state average, your Georgia settlement will replace a smaller percentage of your real income than the same injury would in most neighboring states.
Duration and Permanent Partial Disability
Georgia caps Temporary Total Disability at 400 weeks for most injuries. Permanent Partial Disability is calculated using AMA impairment guidelines applied against a state schedule of weeks assigned to specific body parts — a structure similar to many other Southeastern states.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Georgia's cap so low?
The $800/week maximum hasn't kept pace with wage growth in metro Atlanta and other high-cost areas, so higher earners receive less than a true two-thirds wage replacement once they cross the cap threshold.
How long can I receive benefits?
Georgia caps Temporary Total Disability at 400 weeks for most injuries, with Permanent Partial Disability calculated via AMA impairment guidelines and a scheduled weeks structure.
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