After injuries stabilize, undergo a work capacity assessment; disability grades translate directly into compensation

14. After injuries stabilize, undergo a work capacity assessment; disability grades translate directly into compensation

Cost: There is no monetary cost. However, completing the work capacity assessment process takes some time.

In plain terms: Once injuries have stabilized, a work capacity assessment can be done, and the resulting disability grade translates directly into compensation. One-time disability benefits are calculated based on the individual’s own salary: Grade 5 equals 18 months’ salary, Grade 6 equals 16 months’, Grade 7 equals 13 months’, Grade 8 equals 11 months’, Grade 9 equals 9 months’, and Grade 10 equals 7 months’. Before the assessment results are finalized, do not sign any “one-time settlement” agreements.

Benefit: One-time disability benefits are paid out as a lump sum, calculated based on the individual’s own salary and their disability grade. For Grade 5, this equals 18 months’ salary; for Grade 6, 16 months’; for Grade 7, 13 months’; for Grade 8, 11 months’; for Grade 9, 9 months’; and for Grade 10, 7 months’.

Evidence grade: A

Sources: Regulation on Work-Related Injury Insurance Article 21 "If a disability exists after treatment and the injury is relatively stable, affecting the ability to work, a labor ability appraisal shall be carried out"; Article 22 "Labor dysfunction is divided into ten disability levels, the most severe is level one, and the lightest is level ten"; Article 36 Levels 5 and 6 benefits (one-time disability subsidy 18/16 months of personal salary, monthly disability allowance is 70%/60% of personal salary); Article 37 Level 7 to 10 benefits (13/11/9/7 months personal salary). <https://www.gov.cn/gongbao/content/2011/content_1778064.htm>

Notes: Workers with Grades 5 and 6 retain their employment status and continue to receive disability allowances each month from their employer. For those with Grades 7 through 10, upon contract expiration or voluntary termination, two additional payments apply: a one-time work injury medical allowance paid by the fund, and a one-time disability employment allowance paid by the employer; exact amounts are set by provincial regulations. Before the assessment results are finalized, do not sign any “one-time settlement” agreements.