Free Massachusetts workers comp calculator. Estimate TTD at 60% of AWW under MGL c. 152, PPD scheduled losses, DIA conciliation process, and settlement approval rules.
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Massachusetts workers compensation operates under MGL chapter 152 and is administered by the Department of Industrial Accidents (DIA). The system pays 60 percent of your pre-injury average weekly wage for temporary total disability, subject to a maximum equal to the state average weekly wage. Massachusetts stands apart from most states with its mandatory three-step dispute resolution process and relatively generous partial-disability duration rules.
| Rule | Massachusetts (MA) |
|---|---|
| TTD rate | 60% of AWW |
| Maximum weekly cap | 100% of SAWW (State Average Weekly Wage) |
| Waiting period | 5-day waiting period; retroactive if disability exceeds 21 days |
| Notice to employer | As soon as practicable |
| Filing deadline | 4 years from date of injury |
| System type | Exclusive administrative (DIA) |
| Doctor choice | Employee choice (MGL c. 152 section 30) |
| PPD / impairment | Section 36 scheduled losses by body part; section 35 partial incapacity up to 260 weeks (extendable to 520 weeks under section 35E review) |
| Settlement approval | Must be approved by an administrative law judge at the DIA; lump-sum settlements require section 48 approval |
| Unique rule | Three-step DIA dispute resolution: conciliation, conference, then hearing |
| Governing statute | MGL c. 152 |
| Administering agency | Department of Industrial Accidents (DIA) |
The SAWW is updated annually on October 1 by the DIA. Check mass.gov/dia for the current figure.
If you were injured at work in Massachusetts, your employer's insurer must begin paying weekly TTD benefits within 14 days of learning about the injury or deny the claim in writing. If you receive a denial, you must file an Employee Claim Form (Form 110) with the DIA to begin the dispute process.
Enter your average weekly wage to estimate your Massachusetts workers comp TTD benefit and PPD value. This calculator applies the 60% of AWW formula from MGL c. 152.
Based on MGL c. 152
Massachusetts uses a unique three-step process to resolve disputed workers comp claims. No other state in this group uses the same structure.
Step 1 -- Conciliation. A conciliator at the DIA meets informally with both sides. The goal is voluntary resolution. Most conciliations last 15 to 30 minutes. If an agreement is reached, it becomes an order. If not, the case moves to conference.
Step 2 -- Conference. An administrative law judge reviews the medical evidence, hears brief arguments, and issues a conference order. This order takes effect immediately but can be appealed within 14 days. Many cases settle at this stage because the conference order signals how the judge views the evidence.
Step 3 -- Hearing. If either side appeals the conference order, a full evidentiary hearing is scheduled. Testimony is taken under oath, medical records are formally admitted, and the judge issues a written decision. This decision can be appealed to the DIA Reviewing Board and then to the Massachusetts Appeals Court.
The practical effect of this system is that Massachusetts workers often know their case trajectory faster than workers in states that proceed directly to formal hearings. The conciliation step filters out cases that both sides can resolve informally, and the conference order creates a strong settlement incentive because it previews the likely hearing outcome.
Massachusetts uses a body-part schedule under section 36 of MGL c. 152 for permanent partial disability. Each scheduled body part carries a fixed number of weeks of compensation. For example, loss of a hand is compensated at a different number of weeks than loss of a foot. Unscheduled injuries (back, neck, head) are evaluated under the partial-incapacity provisions of section 35.
Partial incapacity benefits under section 35 are limited to 260 weeks. However, under section 35E, a worker can request an extension up to 520 total weeks if they can demonstrate that their earning capacity is still reduced because of the work injury. The 35E review is one of the most litigated issues in Massachusetts workers comp because doubling the benefit duration can substantially increase settlement value.
Lump-sum settlements in Massachusetts require approval under section 48 of MGL c. 152. The administrative law judge reviews the settlement to confirm it is reasonable and in the worker's interest. A section 48 settlement closes out the claim entirely, including future medical rights, unless the agreement specifically preserves medical benefits.
A key Massachusetts settlement strategy involves timing: many claimants settle after the conference order but before the hearing, because the conference order establishes a floor for negotiation. Settlements that preserve the right to future medical care (open medical) tend to be lower in lump-sum value but protect the worker against unexpected medical costs.
Conciliation is an informal meeting at the DIA where a conciliator tries to help the injured worker and the insurer reach a voluntary agreement. It typically lasts 15 to 30 minutes. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a conference before an administrative law judge.
You have 4 years from the date of injury to file a claim with the DIA under MGL c. 152 section 41. However, you should notify your employer as soon as practicable after the injury to preserve your rights.
Yes. Under MGL c. 152 section 30, you generally have the right to choose your own treating physician. The insurer pays for reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to the work injury.
A section 35E review determines whether your partial incapacity benefits should continue beyond the initial 260-week limit. If you can show that your earning capacity remains reduced because of the work injury, benefits can be extended up to 520 total weeks.
Your TTD rate is 60 percent of your pre-injury average weekly wage (AWW), subject to a maximum equal to the state average weekly wage (SAWW). The SAWW is updated each October 1 by the DIA.
Section 36 lists specific body parts and assigns a fixed number of weeks of compensation for permanent loss or loss of function. Scheduled losses include hands, arms, legs, feet, fingers, toes, eyes, and ears. These benefits are paid in addition to TTD benefits.
No. SettlementCalculator.xyz is operated by Mustafa Bilgic, a non-attorney individual operator. This page is educational research only. Consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts for legal advice about your specific claim.
Massachusetts law under MGL c. 152 section 75B prohibits employers from discharging or retaliating against an employee for filing or pursuing a workers comp claim. If retaliation occurs, you may have a separate legal claim.