SC Workers’ Comp Wage Benefits Explained
Posted March 30, 2026 in Personal Injury
When you’re hurt on the job and can’t work, one of the first questions on your mind is how much money you’ll actually receive. Workers’ compensation in South Carolina provides wage replacement benefits, but the calculation isn’t always straightforward. Understanding how the math works can help you know whether you’re being paid correctly.
South Carolina bases workers’ compensation wage benefits on your Average Weekly Wage, commonly referred to as AWW. This figure is calculated using your earnings over the 52 weeks before your injury. If you didn’t work the full year, the state may use a shorter period or adjust the calculation accordingly.
Once your AWW is established, your weekly benefit is set at 66 and two-thirds percent of that figure, subject to the state’s maximum weekly benefit cap. Under South Carolina law, this maximum benefit amount is reviewed and updated annually.
What Counts Toward Your Average Weekly Wage
Not everyone earns a flat salary. If your income varies week to week, determining your AWW can get complicated. The following types of compensation are generally factored in:
- Regular hourly wages or salary
- Overtime pay that was consistent and expected
- Commissions or bonuses that were part of your regular earnings
- Tips, in certain occupations where they are verifiable
What doesn’t count are one-time bonuses, speculative future income, or in most cases, earnings from a second job. If your employer disputes what should be included, the numbers can look very different depending on who is doing the calculation.
Types of Disability and How They Affect Your Benefits
Temporary Total Disability
Temporary Total Disability applies when you are completely unable to work while recovering. You receive the two-thirds wage replacement until you reach maximum medical improvement or return to work.
Temporary Partial Disability
Temporary Partial Disability comes into play when you can return to work in a limited capacity but earn less than before. In that case, you may receive two-thirds of the difference between your pre-injury wage and your current reduced wages.
Permanent Disability
Permanent disability benefits are calculated differently and depend on the nature and extent of your injury, including whether it affects a specific body part or results in total permanent disability.
Why the Calculation Matters
Getting the AWW calculation wrong means getting underpaid, and insurance carriers don’t always calculate it in your favor. They may exclude certain income, use a shorter earnings period, or misclassify your disability status. These aren’t always honest mistakes.
If something feels off about what you’re receiving, it’s worth having an attorney review the numbers. A Charleston workers compensation lawyer can examine your wage records, identify errors, and push back against an insurer who is undervaluing your claim.
What To Do If Your Benefits Seem Wrong
Don’t assume the amount you’re receiving is correct just because the insurance company says so. Request a copy of the wage calculation your employer and their insurer used. Compare it against your actual pay stubs, W-2s, or tax records. If the numbers don’t line up, that is a problem worth addressing.
Woron and Dhillon, LLC represents injured workers across South Carolina and understands how wage disputes affect a family’s financial stability during an already difficult time. If you believe your benefits are being calculated incorrectly or you’re unsure whether you’re receiving what you’re owed, contact a Charleston workers compensation lawyer to get a clearer picture of your situation and your options.