Workers’ compensation - Connecticut

Summary of differences between federal and state regulations

There is no federal workers’ compensation requirement for most private employers.

Insurance requirement: Self-insurance by private carrier, individual employer, or groups of employers.

Exemptions from WC: None

Medical benefits provided: Full

Physician selection: Employee has initial choice of physician only if employer does not have a managed care plan established.

Benefits for temporary total disability (TTD): 75 percent of worker’s spendable earnings for duration of disability, subject to Social Security benefit offset.

Benefits for permanent total disability (PTD): 75 percent of worker’s spendable earnings for duration of disability, subject to Social Security benefit offset.

Benefits for permanent partial disability (PPD): The exact amount is based upon the specific body part that was injured, the attending physician’s determination of the percentage of that body part that has been disabled, and the employee’s basic compensation rate.

Effective July 1, 2025, when a claimant has reached MMI, an administrative law judge (ALJ) must award permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits instead of other compensation.

Effective July 1, 2025, ALJs cannot award PPD benefits to a claimant who remains totally disabled.

Benefits for temporary partial disability: The exact amount is based upon the specific body part that was injured, the attending physician’s determination of the percentage of that body part that has been disabled, and the employee’s basic compensation rate.

Effective July 1, 2025, temporary partial disability benefits for a claimant who has reached maximum medical improvement (MMI) and has received a rating are limited to 60 weeks, and the claimant must participate in a vocational rehabilitation program. The 60 weeks of PPD benefits are now offset by any temporary total benefits already received by the claimant.

Effective July 1, 2025, ALJs cannot award temporary partial benefits to a claimant who remains totally disabled.

Scheduled awards: Paid in addition to and upon termination of temporary total disability benefits. Awards are not reduced because of the receipt of TTD benefits.

Disfigurement benefits: Compensation shall be awarded for permanent disfigurement not caused solely by the loss or the loss of use of a member of the body. Maximum period is 208 weeks.

Death benefits for surviving spouse and children: 75 percent of the worker’s spendable earnings during the period of widow/widowerhood and children under 18. Children are compensated beyond 18 if physically or mentally disabled or until age 22 if full-time students. Benefits are subject to Social Security benefit offsets.

Effective July 1, 2025, survivor benefits are extended to the decedent’s parents, in addition to the spouse and dependents.

Maximum burial allowance: $4,000

Waiting period: 3 days. Compensation is retroactive if disability continues for 7 days from date of injury.

Rehabilitation: Both vocational rehabilitation (VR) and physical rehabilitation (PR) are covered. Employers must pay disability benefits during VR. Employers also pay for medical rehab services.

Attorney fees: Agency determines on an individual case basis.

The July 1, 2025, changes apply retroactively to claims filed on or after July 1, 1993.

All forms are available online at wcc.state.ct.us/download/forms.htm.

State

Contact

Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Commission

Regulations

Workers Compensation Act (Title 31, chapter 568) –
wcc.state.ct.us/law/menus/wc-act-2009.htm

Administrative Regulations -
wcc.state.ct.us/law/menus/wc-regs.htm

Federal

Contacts

None.

Regulations

None.