Kentucky Workers' Compensation Laws

All employers with 1 or more employees must provide workers' compensation insurance. No minimum employee threshold. Agricultural employers have limited exceptions.

TTD benefits are 66 2/3% of average weekly wage. Maximum (2025): $1,231.22/week (110% of state AWW). Minimum: $223.86/week (20% of state AWW). 7-day waiting period; retroactive after 14 consecutive days off.

Calculated as 66 2/3% of AWW multiplied by impairment rating and statutory multiplier (ranging from 0.65 for 5% or less to 1.7 for above 35%). Maximum duration: 425 weeks for non-scheduled injuries. Medical benefits continue for 780 weeks from date of injury (per 2018 HB 2 amendments).

Kentucky has a specialized system for coal miners with black lung disease. Irrebuttable presumption of total disability for workers with radiographic classification of category 2/1 or higher, or progressive massive fibrosis. Income benefits: 66 2/3% of AWW. Includes a Retraining Incentive Benefit (RIB): semi-monthly payments for up to 104 weeks while enrolled full-time in education/training.