Idaho pays workers comp TTD at only 55% of average weekly wage, one of the lowest rates in the U.S. Use the 2026 Idaho calculator to estimate TTD and PPD under Industrial Commission rules.
This site is operated by Mustafa Bilgic, an individual based in Adiyaman, Turkiye. The operator is NOT a licensed attorney, NOT a law firm, and does NOT provide legal advice. Always verify current law and consult a licensed attorney in Idaho.
Address: Malazgirt No: 225, 02000 Adiyaman, Turkiye
Email: [email protected]
| Category | Idaho (ID) Rule |
|---|---|
| System type | Exclusive remedy, no-fault. Agricultural and domestic workers excluded. |
| TTD benefit rate | 55% of average weekly wage. 90% of SAWW; minimum 45% of SAWW. Set annually by Idaho Industrial Commission. |
| Waiting period | 5 days. If disability exceeds 14 days, the first 5 days are paid retroactively. |
| PPD method | Scheduled impairment per I.C. 72-428. Unscheduled injuries use earning capacity evaluation. |
| Notice to employer | 60 days from injury. |
| Claim filing deadline | 1 year from injury (I.C. 72-701). |
| Doctor choice | Requires insurer pre-authorization. Employee can petition Industrial Commission for change. |
| Settlement type | Lump Sum Settlement Agreement approved by Industrial Commission. |
| Unique rule | 55% AWW rate (among the lowest nationally). Max = 90% of SAWW, Min = 45% of SAWW. 5-day waiting period (longer than most). Agricultural and domestic workers excluded. Insurer controls doctor choice. |
Idaho's workers compensation system pays TTD at 55 percent of average weekly wage. This rate is significantly below the 66 2/3 percent standard used by most states and far below the 80 percent of spendable wages used by Alaska and Iowa. For a worker earning $1,000 per week, the difference is $117 per week compared to the standard rate, or over $6,000 in a year of disability.
Idaho compounds this lower percentage with a maximum cap at 90 percent of SAWW and a minimum at 45 percent. Because Idaho's SAWW is also lower than many states, the dollar amount tends to fall near the bottom nationally.
Idaho also excludes agricultural laborers and domestic workers from mandatory coverage. Given that agriculture is one of Idaho's largest industries, this exclusion leaves a significant workforce segment without guaranteed coverage.
TTD in Idaho is calculated at 55 percent of AWW, subject to the 90% SAWW maximum and 45% SAWW minimum. The waiting period is 5 days, longer than the 3-day standard. If the worker is hospitalized on the first day, the waiting period is waived. If disability lasts more than 2 weeks, the first 5 days are paid retroactively.
Medical treatment is covered from day one but requires insurer pre-authorization. Idaho does not impose a statutory cap on TTD weeks. Benefits continue until MMI, return to work, or the Commission determines the worker is no longer totally disabled.
Idaho uses a scheduled loss table under I.C. 72-428 for specific body parts with fixed maximum weeks. PPD is impairment percentage multiplied by scheduled weeks and weekly rate.
Unscheduled injuries (back, neck, head) use an earning-capacity evaluation considering medical impairment, age, education, work history, and labor market conditions. The Industrial Commission determines the overall disability.
Idaho provides retraining benefits for up to one year if the worker cannot return to the prior occupation, including education, job placement, and skills training.
Idaho settlements are Lump Sum Settlement Agreements requiring Industrial Commission approval. The Commission reviews whether terms are reasonable and in the worker's interest.
Disputes go through a Complaint process before a Referee who issues findings. Either party can appeal to the Industrial Commission and then to the Idaho Supreme Court. Idaho does not statutorily cap attorney fees in workers comp cases.
The practical impact of Idaho's 55 percent AWW rate extends beyond the weekly benefit check. When a workers comp claim is settled, the settlement value is typically based on the projected future benefits the worker would receive. Because Idaho's weekly rate is lower, the projected future benefits are lower, which directly reduces the lump-sum settlement value compared to what the same injury would produce in a higher-rate state.
For example, a worker with 100 weeks of remaining TTD benefits in Idaho receives 55 percent of AWW per week. The same worker in a standard 66 2/3 percent state receives roughly 21 percent more per week. Over 100 weeks, the difference compounds to thousands of dollars. When the insurer calculates the present value of future benefits for settlement purposes, Idaho's lower rate produces a lower settlement baseline.
Idaho's insurer-controlled medical treatment adds another layer. Because the insurer must pre-authorize the treating physician, injured workers may find themselves directed to physicians who are conservative in their treatment recommendations or impairment ratings. A lower impairment rating directly reduces PPD benefits. Workers who believe the insurer-directed physician has underrated their impairment can petition the Industrial Commission for a change of physician, but this process takes time and may require independent medical evidence.
Idaho does provide retraining benefits for up to one year if the worker cannot return to the prior occupation. This vocational rehabilitation can include tuition for education programs, job placement assistance, and skills training. These benefits partially offset the lower weekly rate by helping workers transition to new occupations where they can earn comparable wages.
TTD: 55% of average weekly wage
Idaho sets TTD at 55% of AWW vs. the 66 2/3% norm. The max is 90% of SAWW, min is 45% of SAWW.
No. Agricultural laborers and domestic workers are excluded from mandatory coverage.
5 days, longer than most states' 3 days. Waived if hospitalized. Retroactive after 2 weeks.
Idaho requires insurer pre-authorization. You can petition the Industrial Commission for a change.
Based on loss of earning capacity considering medical impairment, age, education, work history, and labor market.
60 days to notify employer. 1 year to file a claim (I.C. 72-701).
Yes. Up to one year of vocational retraining if the worker cannot return to prior occupation.
No. Consult a licensed attorney in Idaho for legal advice.