Average weekly wage changes are effective July 1

The state average weekly wage (AWW) decreased on July 1, which impacts benefits for injured workers.

For workers injured prior to July 1, 2017, there is no change to their benefits after July 1; the AWW used to calculate those benefits will not decrease. Benefits are based on the lower AWW for workers injured on or after July 1.

The new AWW is $963.01; the new maximum time-loss compensation rate is $1,280.80 per week.

WCD summary

The state Workers' Compensation Division reminds insurers to compute benefits and benefit maximums based on the AWW in effect at the time of injury. For the new AWW, that means

• Temporary disability benefits for workers injured on or after July 1, 2017, are subject to the maximum of 133 percent of the 2017 AWW ($1,280.80).
• Permanent partial disability benefits for workers injured on or after July 1, 2017, are based on the 2017 AWW ($963.01).
• Permanent total disability benefits for workers injured on or after July 1, 2017, are subject to the maximum of the 2017 AWW ($963.01).
• Fatal benefits and burial benefits for workers fatally injured on or after July 1, 2017, are based on the 2017 AWW ($963.01).

The AWW has only been decreased three times since 1915: in 1946, 1961, and 2012.