Payments for lost wages

One of the benefits available to you is payment for lost wages due to your inability to work (if authorized by your doctor). These are known as "time-loss" or "temporary disability" payments.

There are a lot of rules about time-loss benefits. If you have any questions about the information below or at any time during your claim process, call your adjuster, who will be happy to help explain it.

To view your payment history and other time-loss information, log in to MyClaim.

Important payment factors

SAIF issues time-loss payments every two weeks. You will receive a medical and work status update form with every time-loss check. It's important that you fill it out and return it to SAIF as soon as possible.

Average weekly wage

Initially, your adjuster may calculate your average weekly wage (AWW) from the wage information on the 801 claim form. We cannot validate it, however, until payroll information is received from your employer. If needed, we will request information from your employer on the 52 weeks of gross wages prior to the date of your injury. When your AWW is recalculated, we will notify you in writing.

Contact your adjuster right away if you disagree with your AWW, and be prepared to send us a copy of your wage history.

The "three-day wait"

The three-day waiting period works like a deductible. It's usually subtracted from your first time-loss check and is initiated when you start missing work or lose wages (not when you were injured). We know this can be frustrating, so call your adjuster if you have questions.

In some instances you may be reimbursed for the three days. Otherwise, you are allowed to use sick leave, vacation, or another type of leave to compensate for the three days. Please notify your adjuster if you do.

The three-day wait is an Oregon workers' comp law that applies to all injured workers.

Two-thirds formula

You will receive two-thirds (66 2/3 percent) of your average weekly wage. There are minimum and maximum amounts you can receive, but few workers reach these limits. By law, SAIF and all workers' comp insurance companies must pay this percentage.

The "week in arrears"

You also may notice a seven-day gap between the date a time-loss check is issued and the last day paid. We call this gap a "week in arrears." It helps the adjuster make time-loss payments accurate by allowing the adjuster time to get updated payroll information from your employer.

See our sample time-loss payment calendar

We do not deduct taxes from your time-loss payments. If you have questions about taxes, please consult a tax professional.

Prorated benefits

You may remain eligible for time-loss benefits even if you return to modified work or have other income, such as unemployment benefits and vacation and sick leave. Please report any income like this to your adjuster, who will modify your time-loss benefit to account for them.

Secondary disability insurance does not count against your time-loss benefit.

Methods of payment

Paper check that is mailed to you
Electronic funds transfer (EFT) | This is not the same as direct deposit to your bank account. EFT funds are not transferred instantly to your account; the process typically takes 48 hours. (Direct deposit is not an option.) You will receive an EFT letter and form with your second time-loss check. View the EFT registration form
ReliaCard | This is similar to a debit card and is a good option if you don't have a bank account. Your payment amounts are loaded onto the card. Because the card can be overdrawn, like a debit card, you should keep an eye on the card balance. Read the ReliaCard rules

Supplemental time loss

If you have a second job at the time of your injury, you may qualify for supplemental time-loss benefits for wages missed from that job. Please notify your adjuster.