How long workers comp lasts comes down to three things: your return to work, your healing, and your state's cap. Checks stop when your doctor says you have healed as much as you will. Call us for a free review, and an attorney will check where your claim stands.
How long does workers comp last?
Wage checks run until one of three things happens. You go back to work, you reach maximum medical improvement, or you hit your state's cap.
Caps differ a lot from state to state. Florida law stops temporary checks after 104 weeks at most. New Jersey lets them run up to 400 weeks.
The table below lists how long temporary checks last in each state we track.
| State | How long temporary checks last |
|---|---|
| Florida | Temporary checks stop: after 104 weeks at most |
| Georgia | Temporary checks stop: after 400 weeks at most |
| Massachusetts | Temporary total checks stop: after 156 weeks |
| New Jersey | Temporary checks stop: after 400 weeks at most |
| North Carolina | Temporary checks stop: after 500 weeks at most |
| Texas | Temporary benefits stop: at MMI or 104 weeks after they start |
| Virginia | All wage checks combined: 500 weeks at most |
When you go back to work
Most claims end with a return to the job. Once your doctor clears you for your old work at your old pay, temporary checks stop.
California says temporary disability generally stops when you return to work or your doctor releases you. Other states follow a similar rule.
Going back at lower pay is a different story. Some states pay part of the gap. Read about light duty on workers comp before you agree to a new role.
When you reach maximum medical improvement
Checks also end at maximum medical improvement, or MMI. That is the point where your doctor says you will not get much better.
In Texas, workers comp temporary disability ends at MMI or 104 weeks after the checks start, whichever comes first.
After MMI, you may get permanent benefits based on your impairment rating. A low rating means less money, so have an attorney check it.
State limits on temporary checks
Every state puts its own cap on temporary checks. Massachusetts stops temporary total checks after 156 weeks.
North Carolina allows up to 500 weeks from the first day of disability. Georgia allows up to 400 weeks from the date of injury.
Virginia counts all wage checks together against one cap of 500 weeks. Find your state on our workers comp by state guide.
What can extend or restart your checks
A severe injury can raise or stretch your benefits. Florida may pay 80% of your wages for up to 6 months after certain severe injuries.
Pennsylvania lets you ask to reinstate suspended benefits up to 500 weeks from the suspension. A condition that gets worse can bring checks back.
Pennsylvania also lets the insurer require an exam after 104 weeks of total disability. That exam checks whether your impairment reaches 35%.
In New York, your benefits may stop if you quit looking for work. Keep a written record of every job you apply for.
If your checks already stopped, call us for a free review first. Then read why workers comp payments stop.
What to do when your end date is close
Your first move is a call to us for a free case review. An attorney who handles cases in your state will check your dates and your rating.
No fee unless you win. The attorney is paid only out of money recovered, and state law caps that fee.
Bring your claim letters, your last check stub, and any notes from your doctor. Those papers show when your clock started.
Do not sign a deal before someone checks it. Learn more about workers comp settlements.
Questions injured workers ask
What is the longest you can be on workers comp?
It depends on your state and the type of benefit. Temporary checks stop at 104 weeks in Florida but can run 500 weeks in North Carolina. Call us for a free review of your limit.
How long can you be on workers comp in Florida?
Temporary disability checks in Florida stop after 104 weeks at most. They can end sooner if you return to work or reach MMI.
How long does workers comp last in New Jersey?
New Jersey temporary checks can run up to 400 weeks. They stop sooner if you heal or go back to work.
Can you collect workers comp for life?
Only in rare cases of permanent total disability, and the rules differ by state. Most claims end with a return to work or a settlement.
What should I do if my checks are about to run out?
Your first move is a call to us for a free case review. An attorney in your state will check your dates and look for benefits that can follow.
Rates updated Sep 14, 2026