CHANGES IN BENEFIT RATES FOR 2022

GMK ALERT – Today’s News You Can Use 

ISSUE DATE:  Friday, October 15, 2021

IN THIS ALERT:  CHANGES IN BENEFIT RATES FOR 2022

The California Workers’ Compensation Institute (CWCI) issued a memo on October 12, 2021 advising of an important update regarding a substantial State Average Weekly Wage (SAWW) increase that resulted in a significant increase in the minimum and maximum TTD and PTD rates payable on or after January 1, 2022 for injuries on or after 1/1/2022.

Effective January 1, 2022, the minimum TTD/PTD weekly rate will increase from $203.44 to $230.95, an increase of $27.51.  

Similarly, effective January 1, 2022, the maximum TTD/PTD weekly rate will increase from $1,356.31 to $1,539.71, an increase of $183.40 per week. 

WHAT THIS MEANS TO YOU

It is important to remember that pursuant to Labor Code §4661.5, TTD benefits paid two years or more from the date of injury should be paid based upon the TTD rate in effect on the date of payment if the employee’s average weekly earnings justify an increase. 

Pursuant to Labor Code § 4659(c) this is also true when considering applicable COLA increases for life pension benefits owed as of January 1, 2022 for dates of injury on or after January 1, 2003. 

Finally, pursuant to Labor Code § 4702 (b) the SAWW increase will also affect minimum and maximum death benefits payable as of January 1, 2022. 

Please be sure to take note of these important rate changes in order to continue to ensure prompt and accurate administration of benefits on your claims in 2022 and beyond. 

Ashley Granich, Esq.

Orange County Office