California comp benefits projected to increase more than 5% in 2023

The California Workers’ Compensation Institute said temporary total disability and permanent total disability benefits will increase more than 5% next year due to an increase in the state’s average weekly wage.

The latest data from the U.S. Department of Labor shows the average wage increased 5.159% to $1,651 in the first quarter of this year from $1,570 in the year-earlier period.

As a result, TTD and PTD maximum benefits will increase to $1,619.15 from $1,529.71. Next year’s increase follows a 13.5% jump in benefits that took effect in January.

“Also beginning on Jan. 1, 2023, other workers compensation benefits, including TTD paid two years or more after injury, life pension and PTD payments for injuries on or after Jan. 1, 2003, and installment payments on death claims will be going up due to the (state’s average weekly wage) increase,” CWCI said in a statement.

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