Ohio runs workers comp through its monopolistic Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC). Use the 2026 Ohio calculator to estimate TTD with the two-tier rate formula, PPD, and C&R settlement value.
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| Category | Ohio (OH) Rule |
|---|---|
| System type | Monopolistic state fund. Ohio is one of four states that require all workers comp coverage to go through the state fund (Ohio BWC). Private workers comp insurance is not available. |
| TTD benefit rate | 72% of average weekly wage for the first 12 weeks of disability, then 66.67% of AWW after week 12. Subject to the statewide average weekly wage cap set annually by BWC. |
| Waiting period | 7 days. If disability exceeds 14 days, the first 7 days are paid retroactively. |
| PPD schedule | Ohio uses both scheduled losses (body parts with fixed weeks) and unscheduled losses (valued by percentage of whole-person impairment and earning capacity loss). |
| Notice / filing | Notify employer promptly. File First Report of Injury within 2 years. BWC has 28 days to approve or deny. Worker has 14 days to appeal a denial. |
| Doctor choice | Employee selects own attending physician. The physician must be BWC-certified. |
| Settlement types | Stipulation agreements (parties agree on ongoing terms) and compromise-and-release (C&R) lump-sum settlements. Both require BWC or Industrial Commission approval. |
Ohio workers comp settlements follow a structurally different path than most states because Ohio is one of only four states that run workers compensation through a monopolistic state fund. The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) is the sole provider of workers comp coverage for most private employers in the state. Private insurance companies cannot sell workers comp policies in Ohio. This means every Ohio workers comp claim is processed, funded, and administered by a single state agency.
The practical effect is significant. Instead of negotiating with a private insurance adjuster who works for a for-profit carrier, the Ohio worker deals with BWC claims examiners. Settlement procedures require BWC or Industrial Commission approval. Premium rates are set by BWC, not by a competitive insurance market. This centralized system can produce more predictable benefit calculations but also means the worker has no alternative carrier if a claim is denied.
Ohio is unusual in using a two-tier TTD rate. For the first 12 weeks of total disability, the worker receives 72 percent of the pre-injury average weekly wage. After week 12, the rate drops to 66.67 percent (two-thirds) of AWW. Both tiers are subject to a weekly maximum tied to the statewide average weekly wage, which BWC publishes annually.
This two-tier structure means that Ohio workers receive slightly higher benefits during the critical early recovery period when medical expenses and lost income pressure are highest. After three months, the rate settles to the standard two-thirds formula used by most states.
Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) benefits apply when the worker can return to light-duty or reduced-hour work. TPD pays 66.67 percent of the difference between the pre-injury AWW and the actual post-injury earnings.
Ohio separates permanent impairment into scheduled and unscheduled categories. Scheduled losses cover specific body parts listed in the Ohio Revised Code (arms, legs, hands, feet, fingers, toes, eyes, ears). Each body part has a fixed number of weeks of compensation. The award equals the scheduled weeks multiplied by the impairment rating percentage and the weekly compensation rate.
Unscheduled injuries (back, neck, head, internal organs) are evaluated based on the percentage of whole-person impairment and the impact on earning capacity. These claims can produce larger or smaller awards than scheduled losses depending on how the injury affects the worker's ability to earn a living.
Ohio requires doctors to use the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment for rating purposes. The worker can request an independent medical examination if the BWC-assigned doctor produces a rating the worker disputes.
Ohio offers two primary settlement paths. A stipulation agreement is where the parties agree on the conditions of the claim, such as the injury type, the extent of disability, and ongoing benefit terms, but the claim stays open for future medical treatment. A compromise-and-release (C&R) settlement is a lump-sum payment that closes the claim entirely, including future medical rights.
Both types of settlement require approval from the BWC or the Industrial Commission. The Commission will review whether the settlement is fair and reasonable. For C&R settlements that involve Medicare considerations, a Medicare Set-Aside arrangement may be required if the worker is a Medicare beneficiary or reasonably expected to become one within 30 months.
Because Ohio is a monopolistic fund state, the settlement negotiation process differs from private-insurance states. The BWC may be less flexible on settlement amounts because it manages a large fund and applies consistent formulas. Workers who believe their settlement offer is too low can request a hearing before the Industrial Commission.
The initial claim must include a First Report of Injury filed by the employer or worker. BWC has 28 days to approve or deny the claim. If denied, the worker has only 14 days to file an appeal. This short appeal window is critical and frequently missed by unrepresented workers. After the appeal, the case goes to a District Hearing Officer, then potentially to a Staff Hearing Officer, and ultimately to the Industrial Commission for final administrative review.
Temporary Total Disability (TTD): 72% of AWW for the first 12 weeks, then 66.67% of AWW thereafter
Ohio pays 72% of AWW for the first 12 weeks, then 66.67% thereafter.
The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) is the monopolistic state fund that provides all workers comp coverage in Ohio. Private insurance companies cannot sell workers comp policies. This means every Ohio workplace injury claim goes through BWC, which processes claims, sets premium rates, and approves settlements.
Ohio pays 72 percent of your average weekly wage for the first 12 weeks of total disability, then drops to 66.67 percent after week 12. Both rates are subject to a maximum weekly cap set annually by BWC based on the statewide average weekly wage.
A C&R settlement is a lump-sum payment that closes your workers comp claim entirely, including future medical rights for that injury. It requires approval from BWC or the Industrial Commission, which reviews whether the settlement amount is fair.
Yes. Ohio allows the injured worker to select their own attending physician. The doctor must be BWC-certified. If you disagree with the doctor's findings, you can request an independent medical examination.
You have 1 year from the date of injury to file a claim, or 2 years for occupational disease. BWC has 28 days to decide, and you have only 14 days to appeal a denial. Missing the 14-day appeal window can forfeit your right to challenge the decision.
No. Ohio runs a monopolistic state fund, which means there is no private workers comp insurance market. All premiums go to BWC, and all claims are administered by the state. This is different from most states where employers buy coverage from private carriers.
Scheduled losses cover listed body parts (arm, leg, hand, foot, finger, eye) with fixed weeks of benefits. Unscheduled losses (back, neck, head) are valued by their impact on earning capacity and whole-person impairment. Unscheduled injuries can sometimes produce larger awards.
No. SettlementCalculator.xyz is operated by Mustafa Bilgic, a non-attorney individual operator. This page provides educational information only. Consult a licensed attorney in Ohio for legal advice about your specific claim.