Updated for 2024-2025

Idaho Workers' Compensation: Complete 2025 Guide

Everything Idaho workers and employers need to know about workers' comp benefits, filing claims, benefit calculations, and more — plus a free ID-specific benefits calculator.

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Table of Contents

  1. Idaho Workers' Comp Overview
  2. Coverage Requirements & Employer Obligations
  3. Benefit Types & Calculation Rates
  4. Idaho Benefits Calculator
  5. How to File a Claim
  6. Employer Requirements & Penalties
  7. Medical Treatment & Provider Rules
  8. Dispute Resolution & Appeals
  9. Settlements
  10. Special Situations & Exemptions
  11. Frequently Asked Questions
  12. State Resources & Links

Idaho Workers' Compensation Overview

Idaho's workers' compensation system is administered by the Idaho Industrial Commission (IIC), governed by Idaho Code Title 72. Idaho mandates coverage for all employers with one or more employees.

Idaho calculates TTD at 67% of AWW (slightly higher than the 66.67% used by most states), with a maximum of $755.10/week and minimum of $267.00/week (2024). The state features the Idaho State Insurance Fund (ISIF), a quasi-governmental carrier ensuring coverage access for all employers.

Idaho allows employee choice of physician from approved providers and maintains a straightforward claims process through the IIC. The Commission serves as both administrator and adjudicator, with Commissioners hearing disputed claims in formal proceedings.

Idaho's economy includes significant agriculture, mining, timber, and outdoor recreation industries, all of which have unique workers' compensation considerations. The state's relatively rural character means that access to specialized medical care can be a factor in claims management.

Key Idaho Workers' Comp Facts at a Glance

Coverage: Mandatory (all employers) | TTD Rate: 67% of AWW | Max TTD: $755/week | Min TTD: $267/week | Waiting Period: 5 days (retroactive after 14 days) | Statute of Limitations: 1 year | Medical: Employee choice (from approved list) | Admin: Idaho Industrial Commission (IIC) | Law: Idaho Code Title 72

How Idaho Compares to Other States

Idaho's 67% benefit rate is slightly higher than the standard 66.67%. The $755.10/week maximum is moderate. Idaho's 5-day waiting period is longer than many states but the 500-week maximum TTD duration is among the most generous nationally.

The Idaho State Insurance Fund provides a safety net similar to Colorado's Pinnacol Assurance. Employee choice of physician gives workers more control than employer-directed states.

Coverage Requirements & Employer Obligations

All employers with one or more employees must carry coverage.

Exemptions

Insurance Options

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Uninsured Idaho employers face misdemeanor charges, fines, and personal liability. The IIC can order compliance and impose penalties.

Benefit Types & Calculation Rates

Temporary Total Disability (TTD)

TTD at 67% of AWW, max $755.10/week, min $267.00/week, up to 500 weeks.

Parameter2024 RateDetails
Maximum TTD$755.10/weekBased on state AWW
Minimum TTD$267.00/weekFloor for low-wage workers
Benefit Rate67% of AWWSlightly above standard 66.67%
Waiting Period5 daysRetroactive after 14 days
Maximum Duration500 weeksAmong the longest nationally

TPD

67% of wage difference, up to 500 weeks.

PPD

Scheduled losses at 67% of AWW:

Body PartMaximum WeeksRate
Thumb45 weeks67% of AWW
Index Finger30 weeks67% of AWW
Middle Finger25 weeks67% of AWW
Ring Finger15 weeks67% of AWW
Little Finger10 weeks67% of AWW
Hand135 weeks67% of AWW
Arm210 weeks67% of AWW
Great Toe24 weeks67% of AWW
Other Toes8 weeks67% of AWW
Foot105 weeks67% of AWW
Leg165 weeks67% of AWW
Eye120 weeks67% of AWW
Hearing (one ear)30 weeks67% of AWW
Hearing (both ears)100 weeks67% of AWW

PTD

67% of AWW for life. Idaho presumes PTD for loss of both hands, feet, eyes, or combinations.

Death Benefits

67% of AWW to dependents for up to 500 weeks. Burial up to $8,000.

Medical

All reasonable treatment covered. Employee choice from approved providers. No caps.

Idaho Workers' Comp Calculator

Enter your wage and injury details to estimate your Idaho workers' compensation benefits based on current state rates.

ID Benefits Estimator

Your gross weekly earnings before the injury (before taxes/deductions)
Please enter a valid weekly wage amount
Please select a benefit type
Estimated duration of disability in weeks

Your ID Results

Enter your wage details and click Calculate ID Benefits to see your estimated Idaho workers' compensation benefits.

How to File a Workers' Comp Claim in Idaho

Filing a workers' compensation claim in Idaho follows a structured process. Understanding each step and applicable deadlines is critical to protecting your rights.

1

Report to Employer

Notify within 60 days of injury. Sooner is better.

2

Employer Files Report

Employer files with carrier and IIC within 10 days.

3

Seek Treatment

Choose your own treating physician from approved providers.

4

Carrier Processes

Carrier accepts or denies.

5

File with IIC

If disputed, file a Complaint with the IIC for a hearing before a Commissioner.

Critical: Statute of Limitations

Idaho has a 1-year statute of limitations from the date of injury, last benefit payment, or last medical treatment. For occupational diseases, from the date of manifestation.

Employer Requirements & Penalties

Universal Mandate

All employers with 1+ employees. Idaho SIF provides access for all.

Reporting

File within 10 days. Post notices. Maintain records.

Return-to-Work

Idaho encourages light-duty return-to-work programs.

Medical Treatment & Provider Rules

Dispute Resolution & Appeals

  1. Mediation through IIC
  2. Formal hearing before a Commissioner
  3. Decision and order

Appeals to Idaho Supreme Court.

Settlements in Idaho Workers' Comp

Idaho allows lump-sum settlements with IIC approval. Claims may be reopened within 5 years if the worker's condition changes.

Special Situations & Exemptions

Idaho State Insurance Fund

Quasi-governmental carrier ensuring access to coverage. Competes with private carriers.

67% Benefit Rate

Idaho's slightly higher-than-standard benefit rate provides marginally more income replacement than most states.

Odd-Lot Doctrine

Idaho applies the odd-lot doctrine for PTD determination, considering whether a worker can actually find employment given their limitations, age, education, and available jobs.

Apportionment

Idaho allows apportionment of disability between pre-existing conditions and new work injuries, potentially reducing employer liability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, for all employers with one or more employees. ISIF, private carriers, or self-insurance.
$755.10/week (2024). TTD at 67% of AWW, minimum $267.00/week, up to 500 weeks.
Idaho's statute specifies 67%, slightly higher than the standard two-thirds used by most states.
Report to employer within 60 days. Choose your own doctor. File with IIC if disputed.
Yes, from approved providers.
5 days, retroactive after 14 days.
1 year from injury, last payment, or last treatment.
67% of AWW for up to 500 weeks. Burial up to $8,000.

Idaho Workers' Comp Resources & Links

Explore Other State Guides

Idaho Workers' Comp and High-Risk Industries

Idaho's economy includes several high-risk industries that generate significant workers' compensation claims. The state's timber and logging industry, while smaller than in past decades, remains one of the most dangerous occupations in America. Logging workers face risks from falling trees, chainsaw injuries, equipment malfunctions, and transportation accidents on mountain roads. Idaho's workers' compensation system covers these injuries, and the high-risk nature of logging is reflected in premium rates that can exceed $30 per $100 of payroll.

Mining operations, particularly in Idaho's Silver Valley region, present occupational disease risks including silicosis, heavy metal exposure, and noise-induced hearing loss. Idaho's workers' compensation covers occupational diseases, and the 1-year statute of limitations runs from the date the worker becomes aware the condition is work-related. Workers in mining industries should undergo regular health monitoring and promptly report any symptoms that may be related to workplace exposures.

Idaho's Agricultural Workers' Comp

Agriculture is a major component of Idaho's economy, with the state being a leading producer of potatoes, dairy products, cattle, wheat, and other commodities. Agricultural workers face injury risks from machinery, livestock handling, chemical exposure, and environmental conditions. While some agricultural workers may be exempt from mandatory coverage, many Idaho agricultural operations voluntarily carry workers' compensation insurance and are strongly encouraged to do so by the IIC.

Idaho's growing food processing industry, closely tied to agriculture, involves significant workplace hazards including repetitive motion injuries, slips and falls, and machinery-related injuries. These operations are not exempt from workers' compensation requirements and must maintain coverage for all employees.

Idaho's Odd-Lot Doctrine

Idaho applies the odd-lot doctrine when determining permanent total disability. Under this doctrine, a worker who has a significant permanent impairment and cannot find regular employment may be deemed permanently and totally disabled even if they retain some functional capacity. The analysis considers the worker's age, education, experience, and the availability of suitable work in their labor market. Once the worker demonstrates inability to find work, the burden shifts to the employer to show that suitable work is available. This doctrine is particularly relevant for older workers in rural Idaho communities where job opportunities may be limited.

Idaho State Insurance Fund

The Idaho State Insurance Fund (ISIF) plays a vital role in ensuring workers' compensation coverage access for all Idaho employers. As a quasi-governmental carrier, ISIF must accept any employer that applies for coverage, regardless of risk level or claims history. This makes ISIF particularly important for small businesses, startups, and employers in high-risk industries who may have difficulty obtaining coverage in the private market. ISIF competes with private carriers on premiums and services, helping to keep the overall market competitive. Employers should compare quotes from ISIF and private carriers to find the best combination of price and service for their needs.