New Washington 2013 Benefits Schedule Effective Today
On June 25, 2013 the Department announced the 2013 benefits schedule. The cost of living adjustment (COLA) rate increase is 1.03409, based on a statewide average wage of $51,595 for 2012, a slight increase from the $49,894 average wage in 2011. The new COLA rate will be effective July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014. RCW 51.32.072 continues to apply, meaning for injuries on or after July 1, 2011 COLA does not apply under the second July after the date of injury.
Other notable changes in the benefits schedule effective July 1, 2013 include:
For dates of injury on or after July 1, 2013:
*The maximum monthly time loss rate is $5,159.50
*15% of the state’s average monthly wage is $644.94
For loss of earning power benefits, 1.5 times the average monthly wage is $6,449.37 ($214.98 daily)
All of these changes will be effective July 1, 2013 through June 20, 2014. For more information on the new Washington 2013 Benefits Schedule see http://www.lni.wa.gov/ClaimsIns/Insurance/SelfInsure/Claims/Calculations/Default.asp or contact any of our Washington attorneys.
