Workers’ Comp Ups Benefits

Workers’ compensation benefits will get a 2.2 percent boost Saturday, when an annual adjustment authorized by the Washington Legislature kicks in.

The increase last July 1 was only 0.7 percent.

The maximum monthly payment, which will be available to those injured after Friday, will be $2,497.32, or 115 percent of the average wage of $2,171.50.

Those injured in prior years will be eligible for lesser maximum amounts.

If injured before July 1, 1988, for example, a worker could qualify for up to 75 percent of the average monthly wage.

That steps up to 100 percent for time lost because of an injury sustained July 1, 1988, to June 30, 1993, 105 percent for the 12 months ended June 30, 1994, and 110 percent if the injuries were suffered within the last 12 months.

Next year, the maximum will increase to 120 percent of the average for those injured after July 1, 1996.

The benefits partially compensate workers for time lost due to injuries or work-related illnesses. Those with injuries that prevent them from getting work receive pension benefits, as do their survivors in case of death.

The workers’ comp and pension payments come from the Washington State Fund, which is administered by the Department of Labor and Industries and insures about two-thirds of the 2.5 million workers in the state. The rest of the work force is covered by self-insured employers.

In Idaho, by comparison, workers’ compensation benefits top out at 90 percent of weekly pay, which in 1995 averages $401. The $360.90 per week payment is a 2.8 percent increase from last year, according to statistics provided by the Idaho Industrial Commission.

The state also provides for self-insurance by some employers, but does not track the number covered by such programs, a commission spokesperson said.

, DataTimes