Updated 10/01/2025
Death & Dependency Benefits Calculator
Minnesota workers' compensation survivor benefits (Minn. Stat. § 176.111)
This tool estimates death and dependencybenefits under Minnesota workers' compensation. It's meant to be quick and readable: enter the weekly wage, pick the dependent type, and the calculator will show the weekly benefit rate (including the maximum weekly rate based on the date of death).
For wage calculations, start with the AWW (Average Weekly Wage) calculator.
FAQ
What's the difference between the date of injury and the date of death?
For death benefits, Minnesota generally uses the weekly wage at the time of injury as the starting point for the dependency percentage, but the maximum weekly compensation rate comes from the law in effect on the date of death.
Does Social Security affect the weekly death benefit?
It can. Minnesota allows an offset when workers' comp death benefits plus certain government survivor benefits exceed 100% of the weekly wage. This calculator models a simple offset for planning.
Can the allocation between spouse and children change?
Yes. There are default allocations commonly used when no specific allocation has been set, but the actual allocation can be case-specific. Treat the allocation shown here as a starting point.
When is a child treated as dependent?
This calculator treats a child as dependent while under 18, or while under 25 if the child is still dependent and regularly attending school or training as a full-time student. If the child stops being dependent sooner, enter the earlier end date in the calculator.
How death and dependency benefits are estimated
Survivor benefits are a percentage of the weekly wage that depends on who the dependents are (spouse only, spouse plus children, orphans, parents).
The maximum weekly rate comes from the law in effect on the date of death; burial expenses are capped; and a statutory minimum can apply to small total-dependency awards.
Worked example
AWW $1,200 with a spouse only pays about $600/week (50%). Spouse plus one child is about $720/week (60%); spouse plus two or more is about $800/week (66.67%). Burial expense is capped at $15,000.
When to call
Use your result as a screen. Most claims that are on track do not need a lawyer; the ones that are off track usually do.
Green — may be on track
The benefit matches the dependency category. Save this.
Yellow — worth watching
Government survivor benefits or allocation between spouse and children may change the numbers. Watch for offsets.
Red — good reason to call
Benefits are denied, underpaid, or an offset pushes combined benefits below what the law allows. Call.
This is an informational tool, not legal advice. Results depend entirely on the information you enter and may not reflect all statutory exceptions or fact-specific rules. Verify against the underlying statute and consult an attorney for case-specific decisions.