Everything Arkansas workers and employers need to know about workers' comp benefits, filing claims, benefit calculations, and more — plus a free AR-specific benefits calculator.
Calculate Your AR Benefits ↓Arkansas's workers' compensation system is governed by the Arkansas Workers' Compensation Act, codified in A.C.A. Title 11, Chapter 9. The system is administered by the Arkansas Workers' Compensation Commission (AWCC), an independent state agency that oversees claims processing, dispute resolution, and employer compliance. The AWCC employs Administrative Law Judges who hear and decide disputed claims.
Arkansas requires coverage for employers with three or more employees. Benefits are calculated at 66.67% of the injured worker's average weekly wage (AWW), subject to a maximum of $725 per week. The state uses a traditional weekly wage basis, and benefits begin after a 7-day waiting period that becomes retroactive if disability exceeds 14 days.
The Arkansas system underwent significant reform with Act 796 of 1993, which restructured the Commission and updated benefit provisions. The state maintains a balanced approach between worker protection and employer cost management. The exclusive remedy doctrine means workers' compensation is generally the sole remedy for work-related injuries, barring tort suits against employers except in limited circumstances involving intentional misconduct.
Arkansas stands out for its Second Injury Fund, which encourages employers to hire workers with pre-existing disabilities by limiting employer liability for combined disabilities. The state also features a relatively straightforward claims process through the AWCC, with clear procedural rules and timelines for claim resolution.
Coverage: Mandatory (3+ employees) | TTD Rate: 66.67% of AWW | Max TTD: $725/week | Min TTD: $20/week | Waiting Period: 7 days (retroactive after 14 days) | Statute of Limitations: 2 years | Medical: Employer-directed (approved panel) | Admin: Arkansas Workers’ Compensation Commission (AWCC) | Law: A.C.A. Title 11, Chapter 9
Arkansas's maximum TTD benefit of $725 per week places it in the lower tier nationally, below states like Illinois ($1,859.84), Colorado ($1,143), and Connecticut ($1,583). However, Arkansas's lower cost of living means benefit purchasing power is relatively comparable. The 3-employee coverage threshold is lower than Alabama (5 employees) but higher than states mandating coverage for all employers (Arizona, California).
The employer-directed medical panel system provides workers more choice than pure employer-control states while giving employers some cost management ability. Arkansas's 2-year statute of limitations and 450-week maximum duration for TTD benefits are both moderate by national standards.
Arkansas requires workers' compensation for employers with three or more employees engaged in the same business or establishment. All regular employees count, including full-time, part-time, and seasonal workers. Employers below the threshold may voluntarily obtain coverage.
Failure to carry required workers' compensation insurance in Arkansas is a misdemeanor punishable by fines of $100 to $1,000 per day of non-compliance. The AWCC can seek injunctive relief to shut down non-compliant businesses. Uninsured employers are personally liable for all benefits owed to injured workers.
TTD benefits are paid when an injury completely prevents work. Arkansas calculates TTD at 66.67% of AWW, subject to the maximum of $725/week and minimum of $20/week. Benefits last up to 450 weeks from the date of injury.
| Parameter | 2024 Rate | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum TTD | $725/week | Based on state AWW |
| Minimum TTD | $20/week | Floor for low-wage workers |
| Benefit Rate | 66.67% of AWW | Two-thirds of average weekly wage |
| Waiting Period | 7 days | Retroactive after 14 days |
| Maximum Duration | 450 weeks | From date of injury |
TPD benefits apply when an injured worker returns to work at reduced capacity. Arkansas calculates TPD as 66.67% of the wage difference between pre-injury AWW and current earnings, up to the state maximum. TPD lasts up to 450 weeks.
PPD benefits compensate permanent impairment that doesn't prevent all work. Arkansas uses a scheduled loss system for specific body parts:
| Body Part | Maximum Weeks | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Thumb | 60 weeks | 66.67% of AWW |
| Index Finger | 35 weeks | 66.67% of AWW |
| Middle Finger | 30 weeks | 66.67% of AWW |
| Ring Finger | 20 weeks | 66.67% of AWW |
| Little Finger | 15 weeks | 66.67% of AWW |
| Hand | 150 weeks | 66.67% of AWW |
| Arm | 200 weeks | 66.67% of AWW |
| Great Toe | 30 weeks | 66.67% of AWW |
| Other Toes | 10 weeks | 66.67% of AWW |
| Foot | 125 weeks | 66.67% of AWW |
| Leg | 175 weeks | 66.67% of AWW |
| Eye | 100 weeks | 66.67% of AWW |
| Hearing (one ear) | 35 weeks | 66.67% of AWW |
| Hearing (both ears) | 100 weeks | 66.67% of AWW |
For unscheduled injuries (back, neck, head, internal organs), benefits are based on the worker's loss of wage-earning capacity, considering impairment rating, age, education, and job skills.
PTD benefits are paid at 66.67% of AWW (max $725/week) for the duration of disability, potentially for life. Certain injuries create a PTD presumption: loss of both hands, both feet, both eyes, or total paralysis of two or more limbs.
Death benefits provide 66.67% of AWW (max $725/week) to dependents for up to 450 weeks. Burial expenses up to $10,000 are covered. Surviving spouses receive benefits until remarriage or exhaustion of the 450-week period.
Arkansas covers all reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to the work injury with no deductibles or co-pays. The employer provides a panel of approved physicians from which the worker selects treatment. Medical benefits continue as long as reasonably needed.
Enter your wage and injury details to estimate your Arkansas workers' compensation benefits based on current state rates.
Enter your wage details and click Calculate AR Benefits to see your estimated Arkansas workers' compensation benefits.
Filing a workers' compensation claim in Arkansas follows a structured process. Understanding each step and applicable deadlines is critical to protecting your rights.
Notify your employer as soon as possible. While no strict employee reporting deadline exists, delayed reporting can jeopardize the claim. Written notice is recommended.
The employer must file a First Report of Injury (Form AR-N) with the AWCC and their carrier within 10 days.
Select a treating physician from the employer's approved panel. Emergency treatment may be obtained from any provider.
The carrier investigates and either accepts or controverts the claim. If accepted, benefits begin after the 7-day waiting period.
If denied, file a Claim for Compensation (Form AR-C) with the AWCC requesting a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge.
Arkansas has a 2-year statute of limitations from the date of injury, last compensation paid, or last medical treatment furnished. For occupational diseases, the period runs from when the worker first knew or should have known the condition was work-related.
All employers with 3+ employees must maintain continuous workers' compensation coverage. Employers must post workplace notices, report injuries within 10 days, and cooperate in claims processing.
Arkansas prohibits retaliation against employees who file workers' comp claims. Terminated employees may pursue wrongful discharge claims in addition to workers' compensation benefits.
Arkansas encourages employers to develop return-to-work programs offering light-duty or modified-duty positions. These programs reduce costs while helping workers maintain income and workplace connections.
Arkansas uses an employer-directed medical care model with an approved physician panel. Workers select their treating doctor from this panel. Key features:
Disputed claims go before AWCC Administrative Law Judges. The process includes:
Appeals go to the Full Commission (three commissioners), then to the Arkansas Court of Appeals, and ultimately to the Arkansas Supreme Court.
Arkansas permits lump-sum settlements with AWCC approval. Settlement types include:
The AWCC reviews all settlements to ensure they are fair and adequate. Arkansas also allows claim reopening within one year of the last payment if the worker's condition changes.
Not covered, but Arkansas courts strictly evaluate the true nature of the relationship. The primary test focuses on the employer's right to control how work is performed. Misclassification results in penalties and liability for unpaid benefits.
If an employee tests positive for controlled substances or alcohol at the time of injury, Arkansas creates a rebuttable presumption that intoxication was the proximate cause. This can result in denial or reduction of benefits.
Arkansas maintains a Second Injury Fund encouraging employment of workers with pre-existing disabilities. When a new injury combines with a pre-existing condition, the employer pays only for the new injury's disability; the Fund covers the remainder.
Arkansas covers occupational diseases arising from employment conditions. The worker must prove employment was the major contributing cause. Common claims include respiratory conditions, hearing loss, and repetitive stress injuries.
AL benefits, 5-employee threshold & calculator
AK benefits, 80% spendable wage & calculator
AZ benefits, ICA administration & calculator
NC benefits, rates & calculator
ND benefits, WSI fund & calculator
TX benefits, non-subscriber & calculator