SAWW Increases for 2019

In 2019 the California State Average Weekly Wage (SAWW) will increase 2.971% for temporary total disability (TTD), permanent total disability (PTD) and other workers’ compensation benefits that are tied to SAWW increases. The SAWW is defined as the average weekly wage paid to employees covered by unemployment insurance as reported by the U.S. Department of Labor for California for the 12 months ending March 31 in the year preceding the injury.

Beginning with January 1, 2019 dates of injury and after, the new maximum weekly compensation rate will rise from $1,215.27 to $1,251.38 and the minimum weekly TTD/PTD rate will increase from $182.29 to $187.71.

The SAWW increases will also affect:

• TTD paid two years or more after the date of injury

• Life Pension and PTD payments for injuries on or after January 1, 2003

• Installment payments on death claims

What This Means for You:

GMK suggests that you diary your claims for January 1, 2019, or before, that fit the criteria for the increase in benefits payments due to the rise in the SAWW. Discuss with defense counsel the changes in benefit rates to insure correct adjustments in the payment of benefits to injured workers. Remember unpaid indemnity payments can result in penalties which only add to claim costs.