Washington Workers' Comp Benefits: Time-Loss, PPD & Medical (2026)

Washington L&I provides medical treatment and wage replacement benefits for work-related injuries.

Medical Benefits

Coverage: All proper and necessary medical treatment Duration: For life as needed Provider: L&I-approved providers No cost: Worker pays nothing Includes: Doctors, hospital, surgery, medications, therapy, equipment, travel reimbursement (59¢/mile for 2026)

Time-Loss Compensation (TLC)

When: Cannot work due to injury

Rate:

• With spouse/dependent: 75% of gross monthly wage
• No spouse/dependent: 60% of gross monthly wage

Maximum monthly (2026): Approximately $7,364.45 Minimum monthly: Varies based on wage

Waiting period: First 3 working days unpaid (unless disability exceeds 14 calendar days, then retroactive) Duration: Until return to work or claim closure Payment: Biweekly

Loss of Earning Power (LEP)

When: Return to work at reduced wages due to injury Calculation: Percentage of wage loss × time-loss rate Ongoing: May continue indefinitely if permanent wage loss

Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)

When: Permanent impairment after maximum medical improvement

Award based on:

• Impairment rating (Category 1-4)
• Age
• Occupation

Categories:

• Category 1: Minor impairment (lowest award)
• Category 2: Minor to moderate
• Category 3: Moderate to marked
• Category 4: Marked to total (highest award)

Payment: Monthly or lump sum (if under 10 years of payments)

Example: Category 3 award for 40-year-old laborer might be 36-60 months of time-loss

Permanent Total Disability (PTD)

When: Permanently unable to work in any gainful employment Benefits: Monthly time-loss compensation for life Cost-of-living adjustments: Annual COLA increases Difficult standard: Must prove total unemployability

Scheduled Injuries

Specific losses with set awards:

• Loss of arm, leg, hand, foot, eye, hearing
• Fixed number of months of time-loss compensation
• Independent of ability to work

Death Benefits

Beneficiaries: Spouse, children, dependents Amount:

• Spouse: 60% of worker's wages
• Children: Additional percentages Duration:
• Spouse: Until remarriage (lump sum = 60 months upon remarriage)
• Children: Until age 18 (age 23 if student) Burial: Up to $7,927 (2026)

Vocational Services

When: Cannot return to previous job Services: Job placement, training, education Plan for Achieving Reemployment (PAR): Individualized plan Training benefits: May receive time-loss during approved training

Reopening Claims

Aggravation: Within 7 years of claim closure if condition worsens New injury: Can file new claim if new work-related injury

FAQs

Q: Are L&I benefits taxable? A: No, all benefits are tax-free.

Q: Can I receive L&I and Social Security Disability? A: Yes, but L&I may offset to prevent total exceeding 80% of pre-injury wages.

Q: How is PPD calculated? A: Based on impairment category, age, and occupation using statutory formula.

Q: Can I get a lump sum? A: PPD can be lump sum if under 10 years. Time-loss typically monthly but may settle.

Q: What if I can work part-time? A: May receive Loss of Earning Power benefits for wage difference.

Related Topics

• Filing a Washington Workers' Comp Claim
• Washington Denied Claims
• Washington Workers' Compensation Overview

Last updated: January 5, 2026