How Are Wage Loss Benefits Calculated Under the Pennsylvania Workers’ Comp Act?

Workers’ compensation wage loss benefits are calculated based upon an injured worker’s average weekly wage. In other words, most employees (provided they have worked one year for their employer) will receive approximately 2/3rds of the amount they had earned before getting hurt on the job. Of course, there are exceptions to this rule. Extremely well-paid workers don’t receive as much because there is a cap on the amount they can receive. Workers earning less than the average worker (statewide) will receive either a fixed rate or 90 percent of their prior average earnings, depending upon a number of factors. To see the wage rates, click here.

If you are out of work for seven days or less, you will not receive any workers’ compensation wage loss benefits. If you are out of work for eight to 14 days, there is a seven-day waiting period (in other words, if you miss ten days of work, you will be paid for three). But, if you are out of work for more than 14 days, you get paid from day one with no deductions. For more information on how you will be paid, click here.

When Will I Be Paid?

Most insurance companies pay benefits every other week, although a few pay wage loss benefits weekly. These benefits are not taxable. For more information on when your payments should begin, click here.

Generally, the workers’ compensation insurance carrier will send a Notice of Compensation Payable when it agrees to pay your benefits. This is a very important paper, which you should save. You might also receive either an Agreement for Compensation or a Notice of Temporary Compensation Payable, and you should also save these papers.

If you have a question for Dan Siegel, just click here! All workers’ compensation matters are handled on a contingent fee basis, which means that you never pay a fee unless the Law Offices of Daniel J. Siegel, LLC gets you benefits or successfully prevents your employer from stopping your benefits. Give our office a call at (610) 446-3457, send an email, or fill out the form below.