For most workers injured before July 1, 2014, time-loss and pension benefit payments will increase by 4.168 percent based on the change in the state’s average wage, as announced by the Department of Employment Security on June 24.

State law requires that benefits be recalculated each year to reflect the change in the state’s average wage from the previous calendar year.

The increase also applies to pension benefits paid to family members of those who died because of a work-related accident or disease.

As a result of the increase, the new maximum monthly benefit will be $5,482.90, or 120 percent of the state’s average monthly wage. Less than 4 percent of L&I claimants receiving wage-replacement benefits collect the maximum.

The increase becomes effective July 1, 2015.

 

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