Tumwater, WA – For most workers injured on or before July 1, 2017, time-loss and pension benefit payments will increase by 5 percent based on the change in the state’s average wage as announced by the Washington State Employment Security Department on June 27. State law requires that benefits be recalculated each year to reflect the change in the state’s average wage from the previous calendar year. The results of this recalculation is the cost of living adjustment (COLA).
The COLA for 2018 increases the maximum monthly benefit to $6,188.70, or 120 percent of the state’s average monthly wage.
The increase also applies to pension benefits paid to family members of those who died because of a work-related accident or disease.
The increase becomes effective July 1, 2018 for most. There are some exceptions:
- Certain workers who also receive federal Social Security benefits may not be entitled to this annual COLA.
- Most workers with an injury date between July 1, 2017 and June 30, 2018, will receive their first COLA on July 1, 2019.
Source: WA L&I