Texas Workers’ Comp Impairment Income Calculator

Suffering a serious workplace injury in Texas can leave you unable to work for weeks, months, or even permanently. For some, the loss of full function is lifelong, affecting both career and quality of life. In these cases, a Texas Impairment Rating determines the amount and duration of Impairment Income Benefits you can receive. 

At The Law Offices of Aaron Allison in Austin, we guide injured workers through the income calculator process so they understand exactly what benefits they may be entitled to. If you’re wondering what qualifies as a good impairment rating, we break down the Texas Impairment Rating Payout Calculator, explain how it impacts your benefits, and show how our workers’ compensation attorneys fight to protect your rights.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A WORKER IS SERIOUSLY INJURED IN TEXAS?

An impairment rating payout calculator in Texas is done after an employee has been seriously injured at work. However, impairment ratings are not performed right away: they are part of a lengthy workers’ compensation process. Here is an overview of the first steps taken after a worker is injured:

• The worker receives timely and appropriate medical care. If you have been injured at work, the most important thing is to take care of your health. Receive emergency medical care if necessary, and report your injury to your employer as soon as it is safe to do so.
• The worker begins to receive Temporary Income Benefits (TIB). If your income is reduced due to work-related illness or injury for more than seven days, you are entitled to Temporary Income Benefits. Your employer provides a record of your earnings for the previous 13 weeks to determine an average weekly wage. Temporary Income Benefits are equal to 70 percent of your average weekly wage and are provided until you have recovered from your injury.

Temporary Income Benefits continue until one of these conditions are met:

• The employee recovers full functionality and can return to work
• 104 weeks have passed
• A medical doctor determines that you have reached your Maximum Medical Improvement

In the case of permanent loss of ability, a doctor may certify that you have reached “Maximum Medical Improvement,” and further medical care will have little to no effect on restoring you to pre-injury functionality.

It is only after an injured worker has been receiving temporary benefits for 104 weeks, or has reached Maximum Medical Improvement, that the Texas Impairment Rating Calculation is performed, and the Impairment Rating Payout takes place.

“Workers’ compensation cases aren’t just about benefits—they’re about holding employers accountable for workplace safety.”

Aaron Allison, Attorney

Founding Attorney

WHAT IS THE TEXAS IMPAIRMENT RATING PAYOUT CALCULATOR?

If an employee is permanently impaired as a result of a workplace injury, and further medical care is unlikely to improve their condition, a doctor makes an impairment assessment.

The impairment assessment is calculated as a percentage of whole-body functionality.

For example, if you have permanent loss of functionality in your little finger, a doctor may assess you as having “1 percent impairment.” If you have reduced functionality in your right arm, it may be assessed as “20 percent impairment”. Spine injuries may cause even more impairment.

HOW IMPAIRMENT INCOME BENEFITS ARE CALCULATED IN TEXAS

To determine your Impairment Income Benefits (IIBs) using the income calculator, first calculate your Average Weekly Wage (AWW). The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation, explains that the AWW is your gross pay, including overtime and bonuses, from the 13 weeks before your injury. 

Once you reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI), your doctor assigns an impairment rating, a percentage reflecting your permanent loss of function. Your IIB rate equals 70 percent of your AWW, with Texas law setting minimum and maximum weekly limits.

The total benefit duration is calculated by multiplying your impairment rating by three. For example, a 10 percent rating results in 30 weeks of payments. A higher impairment percentage in Texas results in more weeks of IIBs, so ensuring your rating is accurate is essential to receiving full compensation.

HOW CAN AN AUSTIN WORKERS’ COMP ATTORNEY HELP INJURED WORKERS?

Austin workers’ comp cases have strict deadlines, paperwork, and benefit calculations. Errors in impairment rating or income calculator results can be costly. 

The Texas Office of Injured Employee Counsel notes you have 90 days to dispute a first valid impairment rating before it becomes final, making timely legal help essential. An Austin attorney can:

• Check wage accuracy: Ensure your AWW includes all qualifying pay, especially in industries like construction, technology, and healthcare.
• Challenge low ratings: Small increases in your impairment percentage add weeks of benefits.
• Apply state rules correctly: Use updated Texas caps and minimums when determining benefit amounts.
• Advocate in disputes: Protect you from insurer underpayments before the Division of Workers’ Compensation or in court.

At The Law Offices of Aaron Allison, we draw on decades of experience to secure fair benefits for injured Austin workers.

Aron Allison, Attorney

For 50 years, my father, served as a trial lawyer to get just compensation for the people of Austin. At age 14, I began to take up the mantle to continue my father’s practice as a second generation trial lawyer serving Austin’s community. The strength of his legacy continues through its commitments to a communal presence, honoring that each case is as unique as the individual pursuing compensation.

Linkedin Profile: Aaron Allison

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