Wisconsin’s maximum Worker’s Compensation rate will increase to $1,375 per week for temporary total disability, permanent total disability and death benefits for injuries occurring on or after January 1, 2026. The new average weekly wage used to compute the maximum rate is $2,026.50. Using this new wage raises the maximum death benefit for fatal injuries occurring on or after January 1, 2026, to $412,500. The maximum burial expense remains $10,000 and the death benefit to unestranged parents remains $6,500.
The maximum weekly indemnity rate for permanent partial disability remains $446 for injuries occurring on or after January 1, 2026.
The 2026 maximum limit for private vocational rehabilitation services increased by 2.7009% to $2,183. When the Department of Workforce Development’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) is unable to provide services to eligible injured workers, insurers are required to pay the reasonable and necessary vocational rehabilitation costs including the costs of services provided by the vocational rehabilitation specialists in the private sector. This change is based on the average annual percentage change in the U.S. Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers. The new limit applies regardless of the date of injury.