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Death Benefits - Workers' Comp Benefits Guide

By Ziv Shay | Updated April 2026

Death benefits provide financial support to the dependents of a worker who dies as a result of a work-related injury or illness. Benefits typically include weekly payments to the surviving spouse and dependent children, as well as a burial allowance. The weekly benefit is usually two-thirds of the deceased worker's average weekly wage.

Workers' Compensation Benefit Calculator

Enter your employment and injury details below for an instant estimate of your workers' comp benefits.

Your Estimated Workers' Comp Benefits

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Note: Workers' comp generally covers 100% of reasonable and necessary medical expenses. The medical coverage estimate shown reflects your entered expenses. Actual coverage may be higher if additional treatment is needed.

Eligibility for Death Benefits

Surviving spouse, dependent children, or other qualifying dependents of a worker who died from a work-related injury or occupational disease. The death must be causally related to employment.

Common Causes

Top 10 States by Maximum Weekly Benefit

StateMax WeeklyComp RateWaiting Period
Iowa$1,96880%3 days
Illinois$1,79667%3 days
Massachusetts$1,79660%5 days
New Hampshire$1,77860%3 days
Washington D.C.$1,64867%3 days
California$1,61967%3 days
Connecticut$1,57375%3 days
Washington$1,47260%3 days
Alaska$1,40480%3 days
Vermont$1,35867%3 days

Death Benefits Benefit Duration

Death Benefits benefits may continue for the lifetime of the injured worker or beneficiary, depending on state law. These benefits represent the most significant and long-lasting form of workers' compensation.

Many states impose maximum duration limits on certain benefit types. Check your state's specific rules using our calculator above or visit the state-specific page for details.

Maximizing Your Death Benefits Claim

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Death Benefits?
Death benefits provide financial support to the dependents of a worker who dies as a result of a work-related injury or illness. Benefits typically include weekly payments to the surviving spouse and dependent children, as well as a burial allowance. The weekly benefit is usually two-thirds of the deceased worker's average weekly wage.
Who is eligible for Death Benefits benefits?
Surviving spouse, dependent children, or other qualifying dependents of a worker who died from a work-related injury or occupational disease. The death must be causally related to employment.
How long do Death Benefits benefits last?
Death Benefits benefits may be paid for the lifetime of the injured worker or dependent, depending on state law and the specific circumstances of the case.
How are Death Benefits benefits calculated?
Death Benefits benefits are typically calculated as a percentage of the injured worker's average weekly wage (usually 66.67%), subject to state maximum and minimum caps.
Can I work while receiving Death Benefits benefits?
Death benefits are paid to dependents and do not relate to the work capacity of the recipient.

Other Injury Types

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About the AuthorZiv Shay is a software engineer and fintech enthusiast based in Israel, building free financial tools since 2024. Learn more
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