Listen up California!
California has not increased permanent disability (PD) benefits to disabled workers in the Workers’ Compensation system for the past 10 years. The last PD increase was in 2014.
In California a 10% disability for an injury occurring in 2024 is worth $8,772.50. This is a shocking and horrifying situation in California. In Texas a 10% disability is worth $35,220.00.
In Texas if you receive a 10% IR (impairment rating), you will receive 30 weeks of IIBs (impairment income benefits). Injured workers in Texas will get three weeks of IIBs for each percentage of impairment (10 x 3 = 30). IIBs are 70% of the average weekly wage (AWW). The max rate is $1,174.00 in 2024 for Texas (the PD rate in California is $290.00). Thus in Texas a 10% disability pays $35,220.00.
Why is this important?
If California doubles it’s PD rate we will be roughly half as bad as Texas. California business interests can congratulate themselves on successfully lobbying for a workers’ compensation system that provides among the worst PD rates in the country.
It is now time to take care of our working class and provide them with the benefits that they deserve.
Message your local representative and demand a change for all injured workers in California!
