The Idaho workers comp waiting period is the number of days you must be off work after a job injury before wage-loss benefits start — 5 days in Idaho, set by Idaho Code § 72-402(1). This guide explains how the Idaho workers comp waiting period is counted, when Idaho pays those days back, what is still covered during the wait, and what to do if your first check is late.
Figures verified against Idaho sources as of October 2026.
Idaho at a Glance
| Waiting period | 5 days (Idaho Code § 72-402(1)) |
| Paid back after | 14 days of disability (Idaho Code § 72-402(1). The exact wording is “if the injury results in disability for work exceeding two (2) weeks, income benefits shall be allowed from the date of disability.” The Idaho Industrial Commission puts it as “the time loss exceeds 14 days.”) |
| Medical care during the wait | Yes. The Idaho Industrial Commission states, “There is no waiting period for eligibility for medical benefits.” Medical care is generally covered from the first day, whatever the income-benefit waiting period. |
| First check due | 28 days. Idaho Code § 72-402(1) says retroactive benefits on a disability longer than two weeks must “be paid no later than four (4) weeks from date of disability.” The Industrial Commission says injured workers “may generally expect to receive your first check within twenty-eight days of the injury, unless you have been notified that the claim was denied or is being investigated.” |
| Wage-loss rate | 67% of the worker’s average weekly wage (Idaho Code § 72-408). It is subject to the limits in Idaho Code § 72-409: no more than 90% of the average weekly state wage, and during the first 52 weeks no more than 90% of the worker’s own average weekly wage.% of your average weekly wage |
| 2026 max weekly benefit | $1021.50 (January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026. Idaho sets the rate by calendar year of the injury date. The Commission’s 2026 table uses an average weekly state wage of 1135.00, and 90% of that is 1021.50.) |
In This Idaho Guide:
How Long Is the Idaho Workers Comp Waiting Period?
Idaho applies an 5 days Idaho workers comp waiting period to wage-loss benefits — temporary total disability — not to medical care. The clock starts with your first day of disability, not the day you report the injury, so the two dates can differ. The waiting period does not apply at all if the injured worker is hospitalized as an in-patient (Idaho Code § 72-402(1)).
The Commission describes this as an injury that “requires overnight hospitalization.” In that case income benefits generally begin from the first day of disability.
When the Idaho Workers Comp Waiting Period Is Paid Back
The second number matters as much as the first. In Idaho the Idaho workers comp waiting period is paid back once your disability lasts 14 days (Idaho Code § 72-402(1). The exact wording is “if the injury results in disability for work exceeding two (2) weeks, income benefits shall be allowed from the date of disability.” The Idaho Industrial Commission puts it as “the time loss exceeds 14 days.”).
So a worker out for two weeks or more usually recovers the first 5 days; a worker back in a few days usually does not.
Idaho Workers Comp Waiting Period Rules at a Glance
Every number below comes from Idaho sources; the statute column is where to check it yourself.
| Waiting period (days) | 5 |
| Statute | Idaho Code § 72-402(1) |
| Retroactive after (days) | 14 |
| Retroactive statute | Idaho Code § 72-402(1). The exact wording is “if the injury results in disability for work exceeding two (2) weeks, income benefits shall be allowed from the date of disability.” The Idaho Industrial Commission puts it as “the time loss exceeds 14 days.” |
| First payment due | 28 days. Idaho Code § 72-402(1) says retroactive benefits on a disability longer than two weeks must “be paid no later than four (4) weeks from date of disability.” The Industrial Commission says injured workers “may generally expect to receive your first check within twenty-eight days of the injury, unless you have been notified that the claim was denied or is being investigated.” |
| Late-payment penalty | Idaho has no fixed percentage penalty or interest charge for a late first payment. Under Idaho Code § 72-804, if the employer or insurer “neglected or refused within a reasonable time after receipt of a written claim for compensation to pay,” or contested or stopped payment “without reasonable ground,” the employer must pay reasonable attorney fees on top of the compensation owed. The Commission sets those fees. |
| Wage-loss rate | 67% of the worker’s average weekly wage (Idaho Code § 72-408). It is subject to the limits in Idaho Code § 72-409: no more than 90% of the average weekly state wage, and during the first 52 weeks no more than 90% of the worker’s own average weekly wage.% |
| Maximum weekly benefit | $1021.50 (January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026. Idaho sets the rate by calendar year of the injury date. The Commission’s 2026 table uses an average weekly state wage of 1135.00, and 90% of that is 1021.50.) |
How Idaho Counts the Days
States differ on whether the day of injury counts, whether weekends and holidays count, and whether a half day at work breaks the streak. The Idaho rule is in the table above; when in doubt, count calendar days from the first full day you could not work and confirm with the insurer.
Light-duty days are the common trap: if you go back on modified duty at full pay, most states stop the disability clock, and the Idaho workers comp waiting period may have to restart if you go out again. Keep your doctor’s work restrictions in writing.
What Is Covered During the Waiting Period
Yes. The Idaho Industrial Commission states, “There is no waiting period for eligibility for medical benefits.” Medical care is generally covered from the first day, whatever the income-benefit waiting period.
Report the injury to your employer in writing as soon as it happens, see an authorized doctor, and keep a copy of every form. Those three steps protect the claim whether or not the Idaho workers comp waiting period ends up being paid back.
If Your First Idaho Check Is Late
First contact the employer’s workers’ compensation insurance company and ask when checks are issued, as the Commission advises. If you still have no answer or no check, call the Idaho Industrial Commission (Benefits Administration) at (208) 334-6000, or write to P.O. Box 83720, Boise, ID 83720-0041. Many claimants also confirm their options with a licensed Idaho workers’ compensation attorney.
First payment deadline: 28 days.
Idaho Code § 72-402(1) says retroactive benefits on a disability longer than two weeks must “be paid no later than four (4) weeks from date of disability.” The Industrial Commission says injured workers “may generally expect to receive your first check within twenty-eight days of the injury,
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unless you have been notified that the claim was denied or is being investigated.”. Late penalty: Idaho has no fixed percentage penalty or interest charge for a late first payment.
Under Idaho Code § 72-804, if the employer or insurer “neglected or refused within a reasonable time after receipt of a written claim for compensation to pay,” or contested or stopped payment “without reasonable ground,” the employer must pay reasonable attorney fees on top of the compensation owed. The Commission sets those fees..
Why the Idaho Workers Comp Waiting Period Exists
Every state uses a waiting period to keep very short absences out of the wage-loss system, the way a deductible works on a car policy. The Idaho workers comp waiting period is on the shorter end of the national range of three to seven days, and the payback rule decides whether a longer injury recovers it.
If any part of the Idaho workers comp waiting period is unclear for your case, the state agency’s information line can confirm the count and the insurer’s deadline at no cost.
Next step: once the Idaho workers comp waiting period has run, the claim itself decides what you are paid. Our Idaho claim guide covers the reporting deadline, the forms and what to do if the insurer disputes the injury.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the workers comp waiting period in Idaho?
Idaho requires 5 days of disability before wage-loss benefits start. Medical care is covered from day one.
Does Idaho pay the waiting period back?
Yes, once your disability lasts 14 days or more the waiting period is paid retroactively. Keep your doctor’s off-work note; it is the proof.
What if my first Idaho workers comp check is late?
Call the insurer, then the state agency listed in the sources. Many states set a deadline for the first payment and a penalty for missing it.
Official Idaho Sources & Resources
- Idaho Idaho Industrial Commission: https://iic.idaho.gov/benefits-administration/benefits-faqs/
- Idaho Workers’ Comp Statute: https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/title72/t72ch4/sect72-402/
- U.S. Department of Labor — Workers’ Comp: dol.gov
- Insurance Information Institute: iii.org
This Idaho workers comp waiting period guide was last verified against official Idaho sources in October 2026. Rules change — confirm the current figure with the state agency or a licensed attorney.
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More Idaho Workers’ Comp Guides
- How to File an Idaho Workers’ Comp Claim
- Idaho Workers’ Comp Settlements
- Idaho Workers’ Comp Requirements (Employers)
- Workers’ Comp Guides for All 50 States
Disclaimer: This guide is informational only and is not legal, medical, or financial advice. Workers Comp Explained is an independent educational resource, not a law firm or insurer. Workers’ comp benefits, settlement values, deadlines, and requirements vary by state and by the specific facts of your injury and change over time, and any settlement figures here are illustrative only.
Confirm your rights and any deadline with your state’s workers’ compensation board and a licensed attorney before you act.