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Last Modified on Nov 18, 2025
Most employees who are injured at work are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits in Arizona. However, the process can be frustrating and sometimes feel overwhelming. When you are missing work and have extra expenses, like medical bills, it is common to wonder, “What is the waiting period for workers’ compensation in Arizona?”
Understanding Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Arizona
The benefits provided by workers’ compensation insurance generally cover medical treatments and lost wages. Workers are often eligible for both kinds once the claim is accepted, depending on their specific situation. Medical expenses, such as hospitalization, extra doctor visits, ongoing treatment, prescription medication, etc., are usually paid immediately. However, wage replacement or disability benefits require a waiting period before payments can begin.
In 2023, which represents the most recent data available from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were almost 56,000 nonfatal injuries and illnesses that took place in Arizona workplaces that year. This gives Arizona a nonfatal injury and illness rate of 2.4 per 100 full-time employees, which is the same as the national average. Around 31,000 of the reported injuries led to days off work, a job transfer, or other restrictions for the injured worker.
What Is the Waiting Period for Workers’ Compensation in Arizona?
The waiting period for workers’ compensation in Arizona is seven calendar days, including weekends and normal days off. This means that, if you are off work due to your injury for eight or more consecutive days, you are eligible to receive payments for your lost wages.
While this can seem unfair to injured employees, a waiting period gives the insurance company the necessary time to review the claim. It also reduces the administrative time and cost for the insurer due to short employee absences. Furthermore, it discourages employees from making claims or taking time off for injuries that are not serious enough to prevent them from doing their job. There are some other important restrictions on lost wage payments through workers’ comp, including the following:
- If you are out of work because of your injury for less than fourteen consecutive days, you are often not paid for the first seven days, or the waiting period.
- If you are out of work for more than fourteen days, you can get retroactive pay for the waiting period.
- Payments are made at two-thirds of your average gross monthly salary, up to the maximum amount set by the legislature.
- Depending on the type of disability, you may be paid every fourteen or thirty days.
Types of Lost Wage Benefits
There are multiple kinds of wage replacement benefits possible through workers’ compensation in Arizona. An injured worker may be eligible for any or all types of benefits for a single injury at various times throughout their claim, depending on the complexity and severity of the injury. Lost wage benefits can include:
- Temporary total disability. A doctor has decided that the worker cannot work at all.
- Temporary partial disability. The worker can do some work if the company lightens or modifies their tasks to accommodate their injury.
- Permanent partial disability. A doctor declares that the worker has a permanent impairment that prevents them from returning to work.
- Death benefits. These are paid to surviving spouses and/or other dependents because of a fatal injury sustained at the workplace.
FAQs
How Much Does Workers’ Comp Pay in AZ?
How much workers’ comp pays in Arizona can vary, depending on the severity of the worker’s injury and how much it impacts their ability to work. In general, workers’ comp pays two-thirds of the employee’s average monthly wage or the difference between the monthly wage and what the worker can earn on light duty. Employees who support one or more dependents may receive an additional amount.
How Does Arizona Workers’ Compensation Work?
The Arizona workers’ compensation process works much like it does in the rest of the country. The worker must report the injury and be evaluated by a qualified physician, who must then complete a form and send it to the Industrial Commission of Arizona, Risk Management, and the employer. An adjuster investigates the claim and determines whether to grant or deny compensation. If the claim is accepted, medical expenses and compensation are paid accordingly.
How Is Workers’ Comp Paid Out?
In most cases, especially those that are relatively straightforward, workers’ comp is paid out in regular intervals. The exact frequency depends on the type of disability compensation the worker is eligible for, which is based on their injury. In some cases, the worker may settle the claim with the insurance company for one lump-sum payment rather than ongoing payments. Your Arizona workers’ compensation attorney can explain the options available to you in your particular case.
Does My Employer Have to Hold My Job While I’m on Workers’ Comp in Arizona?
Your employer does not have to hold your job while you’re on workers’ comp in Arizona, but there are certain conditions. Employers are not required to hold your job open indefinitely or for the whole duration of your workers’ comp claim. An employer is also not required to reinstate you to your original job if you are physically unable to perform it due to your injury. However, employers can’t retaliate by firing or demoting you for filing a workers’ comp claim.
Get the Help You Need With Your Workers’ Comp Claim in Arizona
Filing a workers’ comp claim can present a series of challenges, from having to prove that the injury happened at work to dealing with denied claims and being harassed by bill collectors. You don’t have to face this difficulty alone. When you hire a workers’ compensation lawyer, you get an experienced professional who can guide you through the claims process. They are also a fierce advocate who can alleviate your burden so you and your family can focus on healing.
The lawyers at Arizona Injury Law Group PLLC have more than 70 years of combined experience, having secured numerous favorable outcomes in workers’ compensation cases. Our team has a deep knowledge of Arizona workers’ compensation laws and procedures. Contact our office today to discuss your case.
