When an insurer fails to pay workers' compensation benefits on time, Minnesota law imposes penalties and interest. Use this calculator to estimate what additional amounts may be owed on late benefit payments.
Rates verified through: 2026
Is My Payment Late?
Enter the unpaid amount and how late the payment is. We'll calculate penalties and interest under Minnesota law.
Verification notice
Penalty tier amounts and dollar caps are from Minn. Stat. 176.221, subd. 3 and should be verified against the current statute text. Commissioner-assessed penalties are not automatic — they are determined by the Commissioner of DLI.
How late is the payment?
Note
Commissioner penalties are tiered by how many days late the payment is (1–15, 16–30, 31–60, 61+). The tier is determined automatically from the days late you enter above.
Commissioner penalty tiers — Minn. Stat. 176.221, subd. 3
1–15 days late: 30% of total compensation due, up to $500
16–30 days late: 55% of total compensation due, up to $1,500
31–60 days late: 80% of total compensation due, up to $3,500
61+ days late: 105% of total compensation due, up to $5,000
These are commissioner-assessed penalties against the insurer, not automatic additions to the employee's check. A compensation judge may also assess up to 30% for inexcusable delay under Minn. Stat. 176.225.
Interest: Accrues at the rate set by Minn. Stat. 549.09, subd. 1 (variable, published annually by the State Court Administrator). This is not a fixed 10%. Check the current rate at the Minnesota Courts website.
This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Results are estimates based on Minnesota workers' compensation law as of the rates shown. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.
How this works
Late payment consequences depend on which deadline was missed and which type of penalty applies. Under Minn. Stat. § 176.221, subd. 3, the commissioner may assess a tiered late-payment penalty (30% / 55% / 80% / 105% with dollar caps) based on how many days late the payment is. Separate judge-assessed penalties may apply for inexcusable delay under Minn. Stat. § 176.225. Interest on late WC payments accrues at the variable rate set by Minn. Stat. § 549.09, subd. 1 (via Minn. Stat. § 176.221, subd. 7), not a fixed 10%.