New Maximum Weekly Workers’ Comp and Unemployment Comp Benefits

The state Workers’ Compensation Commission has announced that the maximum weekly workers’ compensation benefit for total disability and decedents’ dependents will be $1,175 for injuries occurring on or after Oct. 1, 2014. By law, this rate is equivalent to the estimated average weekly earnings of all employees in the state.

The maximum workers’ compensation benefit payout for partial disability (incapacity) will be $991 for injuries occurring on or after Oct. 1, 2014. This rate is equivalent to the estimated average weekly earnings of production and related workers in manufacturing in the state, as determined by the state labor commissioner.

The new maximum weekly unemployment compensation benefit increases from $590 to $594, effective Oct. 5. The new rate applies to claims filed for the benefit year starting on and after Oct. 5, 2014. Individuals who established a claim prior to Oct. 5 and who have been collecting unemployment benefits will be unaffected by the increase. The weekly dependency allowance: $15 for each dependent, with a maximum of $75: remains unchanged.