PTD Benefit Calculator

Plan PTD benefits using wage rates, caps, and COLA. Model offsets, fees, and claim timelines. Get clear totals and charts fast, every time now.

Calculator Inputs

Use the grid below; it adapts to screen size.

Your pre-injury average weekly earnings.
Common default is 0.6667 (two-thirds).
Extra amount for eligible dependents, if applicable.
Example: 0.02 for a 2% annual adjustment.
Use 1 to apply starting in year two.
Unpaid days before benefits begin (approximation).
Other benefits reducing weekly PTD payments.
Example: 0.10 for 10% of weekly amount.
Used for present value of future net payments.
Multiply present value to estimate a lump sum (e.g., 0.95).
Choose how long benefits are modeled.
Used only when "Use fixed weeks" is selected.
Reset

Formula Used

Base weekly benefit:
Base = clamp(AWW × CompensationRate, WeeklyMin, WeeklyMax) + DependencyAllowance
COLA adjustment (by year):
WeeklyGross(year) = Base × (1 + COLA)k, where k increases after the COLA start year.
Offsets and fees:
WeeklyAfterOffsets = max(0, WeeklyGross − WeeklyOffsets)
WeeklyNet = WeeklyAfterOffsets × (1 − AttorneyFeeRate)
Present value (net):
PV = Σ (WeeklyNet / (1 + WeeklyDiscountRate)w) for each payable week w

How to Use

  1. Enter average weekly wage and the compensation rate.
  2. Add caps, dependency amount, and weekly offsets.
  3. Choose ages-to-retirement or a fixed benefit duration.
  4. Set COLA, fee rate, and discount rate.
  5. Click Calculate to view totals, value, and charts.
  6. Use CSV or PDF export for saving results.

Benefit rate mechanics

PTD benefits usually begin with the average weekly wage multiplied by a compensation rate, often two thirds. This calculator then enforces weekly minimum and maximum caps and adds any dependent allowance. A waiting period is converted to unpaid weeks and removed from the timeline. The displayed weekly net reflects offsets and any attorney fee percentage you enter.

Offsets and coordination

Coordination of benefits can materially change outcomes. Weekly offsets may represent Social Security disability, employer disability plans, pension integration, or other mandated credits. The model subtracts offsets each payable week and floors the payment at zero to prevent negative benefits. Gross totals are reported after offsets, while net totals further reduce payments by the selected fee rate to support planning.

Cost of living adjustments

Long claims may include a cost of living adjustment. The calculator applies an annual COLA after a chosen start year using compound growth, so a 2% COLA compounds year over year. This increases the weekly gross benefit before offsets and therefore changes net payments, totals, and present value. The yearly bar chart helps show how years can contribute more dollars even with the same injury status.

Time horizon and present value

Duration assumptions drive most projections. You can estimate benefits to a retirement age or run a fixed number of weeks for scenario testing. Net payments are discounted to present value using an annual discount rate converted to an equivalent weekly rate. This mirrors how finance teams compare cash flows with different timing. Use the discount rate to stress test outcomes under higher interest or lower return environments.

Interpreting settlement estimates

Settlements are often negotiated against discounted value rather than the raw total. The settlement factor multiplies present value to approximate concessions for risk, uncertainty, appeals, and payment timing. Compare the lump sum estimate with the cumulative line chart to see when most value is earned. Export the CSV or PDF to share assumptions, inputs, and key outputs with adjusters, counsel, or auditors.

FAQs

What does PTD mean in this calculator?

PTD refers to permanent total disability benefits modeled as weekly payments. The calculator estimates weekly amounts, totals, and present value based on wage, caps, offsets, COLA, and timeline assumptions.

How are weekly caps applied?

The weekly benefit is calculated from wage × rate, then constrained by your minimum and maximum limits. After caps, the dependency allowance is added, and offsets and fees are applied during the schedule.

How does COLA affect results?

COLA compounds the weekly gross benefit after the selected start year. Higher COLA increases later-year payments, which raises cumulative totals and often increases present value and the settlement estimate.

Why is there a present value number?

Present value converts future net payments into today’s dollars using a discount rate. It helps compare settlement offers, alternative timelines, or different assumptions on a consistent financial basis.

What are offsets and why can net be zero?

Offsets reduce weekly benefits when other programs or policies coordinate payments. If offsets exceed the weekly gross amount, the model floors the weekly payment at zero rather than producing a negative value.

Can I use this as a legal determination?

No. This is a planning estimate only and does not replace legal advice or jurisdiction-specific rules. Confirm rates, caps, offsets, and COLA provisions with applicable statutes or your claims professionals.

Example Data Table

Illustrative values only, not legal advice.

Scenario AWW Rate Caps (Min/Max) Offsets Fee Modeled Weeks Net Total (Approx.)
Base case $1,200 0.6667 $250 / $1,200 $0 10% 520 $374,400
With offsets $1,200 0.6667 $250 / $1,200 $150 10% 520 $304,200
With COLA $1,200 0.6667 $250 / $1,200 $0 10% 520 $413,000

Related Calculators

Workers comp calculatorWorkers comp premium calculatorWorkers comp rate calculatorWorkers comp payroll calculatorWorkers comp class calculatorWorkers comp code calculatorWorkers comp base calculatorWorkers comp mod calculatorExperience mod calculatorEMR impact calculator

Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.