DI 52120.030: California Workers' Compensation (WC)

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Effective Dates: 04/27/2017 - Present
TN 10 (02-17)
DI 52120.030 California Workers' Compensation (WC)
A. Types of California (CA) WC payments
The State of California WC system includes the following types of payments:
1. Periodic Payments
* Temporary disability (TD):
* temporary total disability (TTD)
* temporary partial disability (TPD)
* vocational rehabilitation temporary disability (VRTD)
* Permanent disability (PD):
* permanent partial disability (PPD)
* permanent total disability (PTD)
* Vocational rehabilitation maintenance allowance (VRMA)
2. Permanent disability advance (PDA)
You may see PD payments referred to as PDA. PDAs are:
* Paid at an established permanent partial (PP) or permanent total (PT) rate as periodic payments
* Paid as a small “on request” hardship lump sum (LS) payment
* Considered an advance against and usually subtracted from any future WC settlement
3. Settlements
a. Compromise and Release (C&R)
* Represents a final lump sum settlement
* Specifies attorney fee expense amount
* Usually subtracts PDA amounts per DI 52120.030A.2.
* May include a purchased annuity or incorporate a structured settlement
* Typically specifies an amount to cover, in whole or part, any state public disability benefit (PDB) payments previously paid (referred to as an Employment Development Department (EDD) lien)
b. Stipulations with Request for Award (Stipulations)
* Not a lump sum final settlement
* An agreement for payment of periodic PD benefits until a specified maximum amount has been paid
* Can reopen or follow with another stipulated award or C&R
NOTE: State disability insurance (SDI) payments made by the state EDD under the state's unemployment disability insurance program are not part of the state WC system. SDI payments are subject to PDB offset, not WC offset per DI 52120.030F.
B. End of Vocational Rehabilitation – January 1, 2004
As of January 1, 2004, VRTD and VRMA benefits are no longer available to new applicants. The state replaced these benefits with a voucher system. The state refers to the non-transferable vouchers as Supplemental Job Displacement Benefits (SJDB). Before January 1, 2013, the state issued vouchers in amounts ranging from $4,000 to $10,000. The amount depended on the PD rating. For injuries occurring on or after January 1, 2013, the voucher amount is $6,000. This is regardless of the PD rating. Recipients can only use the vouchers to pay for educational retraining or skill enhancement at state-approved or accredited schools. SJDB vouchers do not cause offset.
C. How California makes WC payments
Private parties primarily administer California WC, which includes authorized insurance companies and self-insured employers.
The state Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) oversees the provision of WC benefits and resolves disputes.
This section describes how WC payers in California make WC payments under state law. Additionally, it provides instructions on how to treat these payments for SSA offset purposes.
1. WC payers
* Insurance carriers - Licensed by the state to transact WC
* State Compensation Insurance Fund (SCIF) – A state agency that operates by charter as a not-for-profit insurance carrier
* Self-insured employers
* Third-party administrators - Service organizations hired by self-insured employers. For example, Cambridge Integrated Services Group, Inc.
* Uninsured employers - The state’s Uninsured Employers Benefits Trust Fund (UEBTF) helps with payment of WC benefits to workers injured on the job when employers fail to insure their workers despite the requirement. These payments are subject to offset. Payments made directly by uninsured employers in lieu of WC are also subject to offset.
2. Periodic payments
Periodic payments can be TD or PD benefits. A key factor in distinguishing between TD benefits and PD benefits is the “permanent and stationary” (P&S) date. The P&S date, as determined by a doctor's report, is the point in time at which no further medical improvement is expected.
a. Temporary Disability
WC Type
How Awarded and Paid
Amount for SSA Offset
Temporary total disability
Payable if the disabled worker cannot do any work
* Awarded at a 7-day weekly rate; paid bi-weekly
* Rate based on date of injury and subject to minimum and maximum limits per DI 52150.045
* 2-year, 104-week limit from date of first TTD payment for injuries April 19, 2004 to December 31, 2007 (with certain exceptions); 5-year, 104-week limit from date of injury for injuries January 1, 2008 or later*
* Payments end when disabled worker can or does return to work or when doctor determines that condition is P&S
* If payment is late, a 10 percent penalty to the WC payer may be added
* VRTD payments are TD payments (same rate and payment schedule) made while a worker is temporarily disabled and participating in vocational rehabilitation under an individualized plan
* Use the weekly or bi-weekly amount for Interactive Computation Facility (ICF) input.
* Amounts designated as penalties, if known, are not subject to offset per DI 52105.015.
Temporary partial disability
Payable if the disabled worker can do some work and the employer offers this type of work.
* Awarded and paid as per TTD
* Use the weekly or bi-weekly amount for ICF input.
*No limit on duration of payments for injuries January 1, 1979 to April 19, 2004 except for TPD which was limited to 240 weeks within a period of 5 years from date of injury
b. Permanent Disability
WC Type
How Awarded and Paid
Amount for SSA Offset
Permanent partial disability
Payable when a worker's condition becomes P&S – even if working
* Awarded at a seven day weekly rate; paid bi-weekly
* Payable for a fixed number of weeks based on percent of disability, date of injury, and wages
* Considered a PDA against anticipated future lump sum settlement
* If a person is determined to be 70-99.75 percent disabled, a nominal life pension is payable after PP ends
* Occasional one-time “hardship” lump sum PDA payments payable at carrier's discretion, if requested (usually in amounts ranging from $500 to $2000)
* Payments end when maximum amount allowed by law has been paid or a lump sum payment settles the case
* LS settlement usually reduced by PDAs
* If payment is late, a 10 percent penalty to the WC payer may be added
* For injuries occurring January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2012 (eliminated for injuries occurring January 1, 2013 or later):
* PD payments increase by 15 percent effective 60 days after the P&S date if the employer has 50 or more employees and does not make a timely offer of return to work. In this situation, the increased PD rate may exceed the TD rate.
* If the employer makes a timely offer of return to work, PD payments decrease by 15 percent effective from the offer date
Before settlement:
* Treat as periodic payment using weekly or bi-weekly rate.
* Amounts designated as penalties, if known, are not subject to offset per DI 52105.015.
* PDAs that overlap awarded TD or VRMA* payments are not subject to offset at the time of payment; control for adjustments after the WC claim is settled.
* One-time lump sum PDA:
* If you see an LS PDA paid in addition to ongoing bi-weekly PD payments, do not offset for the LS PDA. You should diary to start after the WC claim settles.
* If an LS PDA is paid but no ongoing PD payments are being made, ascertain the PP rate and prorate the LS beginning the day after the last TD or VRMA payment (or the date of injury if no prior periodic payments were made). Do not overlap with TD or VRMA. Diary to make any needed adjustments when the WC claim is settled. Include AURORA paragraph PCWCP5004 in the notice.
At settlement:
* If PDAs were subtracted from gross LS, prorate gross LS and treat PDAs (including one-time lump sum PDAs) as “not paid”.
* For more information on LS awards involving advance payments, see DI 52150.065C.
Permanent total disability
* Awarded at a seven day weekly rate (equal to TD weekly rate) for life; paid bi-weekly
* Disability rating 100 percent
* Rare
* PDA and penalty information shown for PPD also applies to PTD
* Use the weekly or bi-weekly amount for ICF input.
* See PPD for treatment of PDAs and penalties.
Return-to-Work Supplement Program (RTWSP)
* One-time supplemental payment of $5,000.00
* Regulations implemented April 13, 2015
* Must have a date of injury on or after January 1, 2013 and have received SJDB voucher for said injury (see DI 52120.030B )
* Provides supplemental payments to workers whose PD benefits are disproportionately low in comparison to their earnings loss
Before settlement:
* Treat as periodic payment using the existing PD or last existing PD rate.
* If you see the RTWSP benefit paid in addition to ongoing periodic payments, do not offset for the RTWSP payment. Diary to start after the periodic payments end.
* If the RTWSP benefit is paid, but no ongoing periodic payments are being made, use the last PD rate and prorate the RTWSP payment beginning the day after the last periodic payment.
At settlement:
If PDAs were subtracted from gross LS, prorate gross LS and treat the RTWSP payment as not paid.
*EXCEPTION: PDAs that supplement VRMA up to the TD rate are subject to offset. See DI 52120.030G.
c. Vocational Rehabilitation Maintenance Allowance
When verifying WC payments for injuries before 2004 through insurance companies and other payers, ask that VRMA payments be included. Payers do not routinely include information on VRMA payments unless specifically asked.
WC Type
How Awarded and Paid
Amount for SSA Offset
Vocational Rehabilitation Maintenance Allowance
Payable while the worker is participating in VR under an individualized plan
If VRTD payments are involved, see DI 52120.030C.2.a.
* Payable only if injured before 2004 and available only through December 31, 2008
* Awarded at a seven day weekly rate; paid bi-weekly
* Payable if worker is P&S
* Maximum $246.00/week for 52 weeks
* May supplement with PDA up to TD amount
* $16,000 total limit effective January 1, 1994 to December 31, 2003
* Attorney fees may reduce payment by up to 15 percent
* Not deducted from any settlement
* Must be either specifically closed out as part of a settlement or closed out separately
* Mostly, California pays VRMA in lieu of WC. These payments are subject to offset. See DI 52110.005 and DI 52120.030G.
* Use the weekly or bi-weekly amount for ICF input.
* VRMA supplemented by PDAs are subject to offset at the combined VRMA/PDA rate. However, if a C&R LS award settles a WC claim, revise the prior offset to exclude the PDA supplement if the C&R subtracts the PDAs. See DI 52120.030G.
3. Types of negotiated settlements under California law
Most WC cases in California settle through a C&R or a Stipulation with Request for Award (STIPS) without going to trial. If a settlement between the worker and the insurance company cannot be negotiated using one of these options, the case may go to trial before a WCAB judge. The judge issues a decision called a Findings and Award (see Exhibit 3 in DI 52120.030L).
Attorneys may structure or characterize settlements in various ways, so actual settlements may include elements that are not binding on SSA. For example, if a lump sum award is characterized as representing payments over the worker's expected remaining life, see DI 52150.065A. For information on subsequent addenda to LS awards, see DI 52150.065E.
Settlement Type
SSA Terminology
How Awarded and Paid
Compromise & Release
Lump Sum
* A final settlement that cannot be reopened
* Paid in a lump sum
* The worker must give up rights to: future medical, reopening the claim, and any further TD or PD benefits (VR may be settled separately)
* Explains who is responsible for disputed medical bills and liens (including state EDD liens)
* May include a structured settlement
* May include a purchased annuity
* Generally do not specify a rate, a period, or the type of WC (for example, PP)
* If applicable, specifies allowable attorney fees (generally 12–15 percent)
* May show rates and periods of paid TD and VRMA—this information is not always accurate
Structured Settlement
A C&R may incorporate a structured settlement which typically includes:
* An immediate lump sum, and
* Benefits to be paid at various intervals over several years.
For more information on structured settlements, see DI 52150.065D.
Stipulations With Request for Award
Periodic Payment (NOT a lump sum)
* An agreement that has the same effect as a judge's order guaranteeing that the claimant receives a set sum of money paid out on a periodic basis
* Usually specifies a weekly TD rate and period
* Usually specifies a weekly PD rate, a maximum amount to be paid, and a starting date. Paid bi-weekly
* May include a lump sum catch-up PD payment
* Usually specifies that any PDAs are credited against the amount of PD specified in the award
* Does not close out the entire case (unlike a C&R)
* May be one of several stipulated awards; one after the other, a C&R may follow
* Usually specifies attorney fees to be commuted from the far end of the settlement. See DI 52120.030D
See Also:
* DI 52120.030H Lump Sum Awards
* DI 52120.030I Compromise & Release
* DI 52120.030J Stipulations with Request for Award for instructions on processing California LS and stipulated settlements.
4. Sequence of payments by type
Payments usually begin with TD and end with C&R. The sequences in which payers make payments vary considerably but generally are in the following order:
* TD or PD alone, or followed by C&R
* TD followed by PD (a C&R may follow)
* TD followed by PD followed by VRMA (may involve multiple periods of PD and VRMA; a C&R may follow)
* TD followed by PD followed by VRMA followed by STIPS and/or C&R (may involve multiple periods of PD, VRMA, and multiple STIPS)
5. Cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs)
California law currently provides for annual cost-of-living increases only for life pension and PTD benefits (see DI 52120.030C.2.b). These COLAs, which are effective each January 1, are available only to workers with injuries occurring on or after January 1, 2003.
6. Third party
SSA's treatment of third-party settlements in California WC cases follows normal processing guidelines in DI 52105.010.
7. Reverse offset
a. Subsequent Injuries Fund
When a worker has a previous permanent disability or impairment and sustains a subsequent injury, the employer is not liable for the combined disability, but only for the disability caused by the later injury. However, when the combined permanent disability is at least 70 percent, and meets certain other criteria, the worker may receive extra compensation from the SIF. California has a dollar-for-dollar reduction provision that applies only against payments made from the SIF.
* The basic WC payment is subject to offset.
* The additional payments made from the SIF are not subject to offset. Reverse offset applies to SIF payments.
* If the number holder (NH) is receiving SIF payments only, answer “Y” to the “Reverse Jurisdiction Involved” question on the Modernized Claim System (MCS) WCPL screen or ICF WCCL screen. Do not input the case as reverse jurisdiction if the NH is also receiving the basic WC payment.
* SIF payments are identified as such on payment documents.
* We are not required to notify the state in these cases.
b. Industrial Disability Leave (IDL)
IDL is a benefit available to state legislative employees and members of the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) or the State Teachers' Retirement System (STRS) in lieu of workers' compensation TD benefits.
* IDL payments are under a reverse offset plan and not subject to offset.
* We are not required to notify the state about the claimant’s disability benefit or reverse offset.
* If you discover that offset was erroneously imposed based on IDL benefits, remove offset retroactive to the offset effective date and code the case as a reverse jurisdiction.
For more information on reverse offset, see DI 52105.001.
8. WC payments made to employer
a. WC payment record shows payments made to employer
If a WC payment record shows payments to the employer instead of the disabled worker, usually a “salary continuation plan” is in place. Under the California Labor Code, if the plan meets the statutory requirements, which include minimum salary requirements, then no WC is payable to the disabled worker. However, the insurer may reimburse the employer for WC that the insurer would have paid to the worker. For the period where the employer, not the NH, receives the WC payments, there is no offset. See DI 52110.010.
b. Section 4850 payments
California Labor Code section 4850 provides a paid leave of absence for up to a year in lieu of WC TD or VRMA payments. This section is for certain disabled public safety officers (police, firefighters, and so forth). Section 4850 payments fall under the same salary continuation policy noted in DI 52120.030C.8.a. The leave of absence payments to the worker and any reimbursement paid to the employer by the WC insurer are not subject to offset as long as the worker does not actually have use of the WC payments.
D. Attorney fees
California cases handle attorney fees and other excludable expense deductions normally (follows standard excludable expenses procedures). The state must approve attorney fees. Therefore, attorney fee expenses always appear on standard documents.
STIPS generally specify that attorney fees are commuted from the far end of the settlement, effectively ending the periodic payments sooner. Use a Method C-type proration as a trial computation to calculate the offset ending date unless the award specifies otherwise. Input STIPS agreements as periodic payments in ICF WC/PDB using the results from the trial computation. See Example #8 in DI 52120.030M.
E. Retirement insurance benefit considerations
California does not offset its WC for SSA retirement benefits.
F. WC and California State Disability Insurance (SDI)
1. SDI in relation to WC
Unlike WC, the state EDD pays California SDI and does not require that the injury or illness is work-related. Non-public employees' paycheck deductions fund SDI.
a. SDI payments
* SDI is a PDB and paid bi-weekly (see DI 52135.030).
* SDI pays for a maximum of 52 weeks. If the worker had lower earnings, it pays fewer than 52 weeks. If EDD reduces the weekly payments for offsets, such as WC, it is paid for more than 52 weeks.
* Although the SDI benefit amount is roughly equivalent to WC TD benefits, it is important not to confuse the two.
b. How SDI and WC benefits affect each other
Under California law, SDI cannot be paid for any month that WC TD or PD is payable. However, SDI can be paid if TD is delayed, interrupted, denied, or paid at an incorrect lower rate. In the latter situation, SDI may pay the difference.
Typically, for any work related injury, a worker files an application and starts receiving SDI. It is later that the worker files an application and starts receiving WC. Under these circumstances, EDD and the WC carrier may coordinate payments and/or EDD files a lien against the WC for SDI already paid (California Labor Code Section 4904).
If payments are not coordinated timely, EDD and the WC carrier negotiate the amount of money reimbursable to the worker's SDI account from any WC settlement. The amount repaid to EDD may be less than the SDI actually paid. In this situation, the State and WC carrier may agree to use a formula. The WC carrier only reimburses a proportionate amount of the SDI. The standard formula is the “Baird Formula.” An explanation is in SSR 87-20c. See Example #7 in DI 52120.030M.
To satisfy the EDD lien, there may be withholdings from the WC LS proceeds. Alternatively, the carrier, employer, or third party may satisfy the lien via a separate reimbursement. Once any party reimburses EDD for the lien, EDD immediately adds back the amount repaid to the worker's SDI account, making the repaid amount available for payment should the worker reapply and qualify for SDI benefits. For an explanation of the way we adjust for an EDD lien, see DI 52120.030F.2.a.
When processing cases involving both SDI and WC payments:
* Do not confuse SDI and WC. For offset, treat the PDB and WC claims separately.
* There may be unintentional periods of overlap when the basis of offset is both SDI and WC payments.
* Never use an SDI rate or stop date to prorate a WC LS.
2. EDD liens repaid as part of a WC lump sum
a. Policy
EDD liens are not excludable expenses for WC LS proration purposes and should be included in the gross LS amount. For instructions on refiguring PDB offset to exclude the amount of SDI repaid to EDD associated with the WC claim, see DI 52135.030G.
EXAMPLE: The SDI claim paid out at a weekly rate of $116.00 for 52 weeks (total paid equals $6,032.00). EDD filed a lien for $6,032.00 against WC. When the WC claim settled, the WC defendant (employer) repaid $3,016.00 of the $6,032.00 EDD lien. There is no deduction from the LS amount awarded to the worker.
* Use the gross LS award amount for proration purposes. Do not adjust for the repaid $3,016.00, regardless of which party repaid the EDD lien.
* Reduce the PDB offset by the $3,016.00 repaid amount either by using a weekly rate of $58.00 for 52 weeks or $116.00 for 26 weeks, whichever is most advantageous.
b. SDI payment records as evidence of repaid liens
SDI payment record printouts often contain sufficient information to verify that there was a repayment of a lien to EDD. It also specifies the amount of the lien. This information, together with WC documents containing reference to an EDD lien, is generally sufficient proof of a lien. It allows for an adjustment of PDB offset per DI 52135.030G. In a lien repayment situation, the SDI printout shows that:
* The individual payments on the SDI printout add up to the Maximum Benefit Amount (MBA) and
* The “AMT PD” (Amount Paid) entry is equal to or less than the MBA and
* “BAL” (Balance) entry plus the “AMT PD” entry add up to the MBA amount.
These entries verify the repayment of the “BAL” amount to satisfy the EDD lien. See the following example of an SDI printout that shows the entries indicating a repaid lien: http://sfnet.sf.ssa.gov/wnpsc/dir52001/DI_r52120_030.htm
These entries verify the repayment of the “BAL” amount to satisfy the EDD lien. See the following example of an SDI printout that shows the entries indicating a repaid lien: http : //sfnet.sf.ssa.gov/wnpsc/dir52001/DI_r52120_030.htm
G. Vocational Rehabilitation Maintenance Allowance (VRMA) payments
California VRMA payments were payable to workers injured before 2004 and were available for these workers through December 31, 2008.
VRMA payments to a worker while participating in a rehabilitation plan had a lower maximum weekly amount ($246 per week) than TD benefits. However, the worker could supplement the maintenance allowance with PDAs up to the total TD rate.
VRMA in lieu of WC
When there is payment of VR in lieu of WC, consider the VRMA benefits as periodic payments for purposes of starting an LS proration.
EXAMPLE 1:
* TD payments @ $250.00/week June 01, 1993 to March 10, 1994
* VRMA @ $246.00/week March 11, 1994 to October 20, 1994
* PDA @ $148.00/week October 21, 1994 to January 15, 1995
* LS for $50,000.00 (less PDA), Attorney Fee $5,000.00
In this situation, VR payments are subject to offset. The last date of the VR payments is the date from which we start prorating the lump sum.
EXAMPLE 2:
* TD payments @ $250.00/week June 1, 1993 to March 10, 1994
* VRMA @ $200.00/week plus PD @$50.00/week (total $250.00/week) March 11, 1994 to October 20, 1994
In this situation, the combination of VR and PDAs total the prior TD amount. Consider VR payments to be in lieu of WC. Consequently, they are subject to offset. The total of the VR and PD payments, $250.00, is the amount for offset.
VRMA payments after a WC award
Payment of VRMA may sometimes continue after the approval and payment of a WC award (that is, C&R, STIPS, or Findings & Award). VRMA payments may also begin after an award. When these situations happen, VR is not specifically included as part of the award. It remains open for later finalization. Because the WC award settles all other WC issues, such VRMA payments are considered paid in addition to WC and are not subject to offset. However, if an amount is set aside from a lump sum to settle VR, and a directed plan is not involved, see DI 52110.005A.2.
For LS proration purposes, VRMA payments in effect at the time of the C&R are deemed to end the day before the WCAB judge approves the C&R. Therefore, the LS start date is the date of the award. Caution: Unless there is specification of another benefit start date in the award, this is the only situation in which the date of an LS award is used as the start date for proration. See DI 52150.060D.2.
H. Lump sum awards
1. Prorating a California C&R lump sum
To establish the weekly proration rate when prorating a C&R LS:
* Use the PP maximum rate chart in DI 52120.030H.3. when:
* The LS is specifically designated as a PP LS, or
* The LS does not specify the type of WC, but there were PP advances before the LS.
* Use the PP advance rate if the advances were paid at a rate less than the maximum rate.
* Use the normal priority order in DI 52150.060D.3 when:
* PP advances were not paid and
* The LS does not specify the type of WC or the LS is specifically designated as a PT LS.
* When prorating a C&R LS: Include in the gross LS amount all previously paid PDA amounts specified as deducted from the LS award.
Do not impose offset for the periods when the PDA amounts were actually paid. If offset was previously imposed for those periods, remove offset. When an LS was preceded by PDAs, prorate the LS beginning the day after the last TD or VRMA payment.
2. Processing lump sum awards
* The design of the C&R format is to encompass all aspects of a WC claim including TD, PD, VRMA, medical expenses, and so forth. C&R awards are not usually specifically designated as representing a single type of WC such as PP. Therefore, treat a C&R lump sum award as a PP award if the evidence shows that PP advances were paid. Otherwise, follow the instructions in DI 52120.030H.1.b. Most PDAs are PP advances. PT advances are rare.
* PDAs are not an excludable expense. When prorating a lump sum, use the gross LS award amount. This effectively incorporates all previously paid PDAs into the LS. This includes occasional one-time lump sum PDAs that may have been paid. Do not apply offset to any prior periods of actual PDA payments. See DI 52120.030C.2.c. if PDAs are paid as supplements to VRMA payments.
NOTE: When changing prior periods of continuous offset that were based on actual PDA payments to “no offset” periods, breaks in offset may result, changing the 3-year count for triennial redeterminations.
* When prorating an LS involving PDAs, take the following steps unless dates or rates are otherwise specified, or the award specifically states that the LS is in addition to PD previously paid:
* Start the proration the day after any TD or VRMA payments ended. If TD or VRMA payments were not made, start with the injury date or the date the worker last worked for the industry.
* Use the full award amount.
* If PP advances were paid, use the maximum PP rate from the table in DI 52120.030H.3 unless PP advances were paid at lower rate, in which case use the lower rate.
EXAMPLE: Month of entitlement (MOE) 11/2004
TD from MOE through June 6, 2006 at $360/week PP advances June 7, 2006 through January 2, 2007 at $170/week TD January 3, 2007 through February 13, 2007 at $360/week PP advances February 14, 2007 through November 20, 2007 at $170/week, LS Gross Award $50,000, Attorney fees $6,000
When do we start the proration and how do we prorate this case?
* Proration is based on $50,000 minus attorney fees of $6,000.
* Start date for the proration is February 14, 2007 (after the last TD payment stopped).
* Prorate at the $170/week PDA rate.
NOTE: There is no offset for the period June 7, 2006 through January 2, 2007. Consider the PDAs as “no payment”. Do not deduct the PDAs from the lump sum. The “no payment” period results in a break in offset so a 01/2007 triennial redetermination does not apply.
3. PP maximum rates for LS proration
The WC injury date is not necessarily the same date as the Social Security disability insurance benefit onset date. To determine the correct PP rate, verify the WC injury date from the WC evidence.
WC Injuries Occurring
Weekly Proration Rate
1974 –1982
$ 70
1983
$130
1984 –1989
$140
1990 – June 30, 1994
$148
July 1, 1994
$168
July 1, 1995
$198
July 1, 1996 - December 31, 2003
$230
January 1, 2004 – December 31, 2004
$250
January 1, 2005 - December 31, 2012
$270
January 1, 2013 or later
$290
4. WC lump sum proration involving life expectancy (LE) rates
The “Hartman” formula is a common name for California WC LS settlements that specify a LE rate. Attorneys often characterize settlements using this LE based proration method. LE is the basis of this method. SSA does not endorse the use of any specific LE formula. To prorate an award involving LE rates, follow the instructions in DI 52150.065A.
I. Compromise and Release
For information on how a C&R is awarded and paid, see DI 52120.030C.3. The following chart includes item-by-item instructions for processing offset based on a C&R settlement. See Exhibit 1 in DI 52120.030L for the C&R form.
*C&R paragraph numbers in this chart are based on the current version of the form. The chart only includes those C&R paragraphs containing information needed for SSA's offset determination. It does not include paragraphs consisting solely of pre-printed standard language applicable to all awards.
C&R Paragraph
Offset Factor
ACTION
1.
Date of Injury
* If a single date is shown, and no periodic payments were made, use the date as the proration Start Date.
* If there are multiple dates, use the latest date, or the date of injury evidenced by WC claim payment documents, if different.
* For the Start Date priority order, see DI 52150.060D.2.
5.
Periodic Payments
This is a standard disclaimer paragraph stating that the C&R does not settle vocational rehabilitation unless expressly ordered by a WC judge. See C&R Paragraph “Addenda” for clarity.
6.
Periodic Payments
TD Indemnity Paid:
* If no other evidence is available, use the displayed TD rates and periods as proof of periodic payments.
* If the weekly rate and periods conflict with evidence from the payer, use the payment information provided by the payer as proof of periodic payments .
PD Indemnity Paid:
* Use PD weekly rate, if shown, for LS proration.
* Do not use the total PDA paid to date as a subtraction from the LS. See Offset Factor “Excludable Expenses” in this chart.
7.
Lump Sum Amount
* If an amount is shown, use the gross award amount for proration.
* If no amount is shown, added remarks will reference addendums attached to the C&R.
7.
Excludable Expenses
If the notice reads:
“The following amounts are to be deducted from the settlement amount:”
“$ _____________ for permanent disability advances through _____________(date)”
Do not subtract PDAs from the LS. Instead, prorate the gross LS and consider any prior PDAs as not paid. This includes extra PDAs that may continue to be paid while the settlement is being negotiated.
If the notice reads:
“$ _____________ for temporary disability indemnity overpayment, if any.”
Do not subtract any temporary disability indemnity overpayment from the gross LS. Use the correct (“should have been paid”) TD rate and period as determined by the payer to adjust any prior offset based on TD periodic payments. See DI 52150.035A.4.
7.
Excludable Expenses
“Liens”
* If there is an EDD lien shown, do not deduct the lien or count as an excludable expense. Adjust any prior PDB offset by the amount repaid to EDD (by any party). See DI 52135.030G.
* Liens for legal or medical expenses are excludable if paid from the lump sum but not excludable if paid directly by the insurance company.
* Other liens are not excludable expenses (for example, child support). See DI 52150.050.
7.
Excludable Expenses
“Attorney Fees”
Excludable as shown. Enter on ICF WCLS screen.
7.
Excludable Expenses
If the notice reads:
“LEAVING A BALANCE OF $ ___________” Do not use for offset purposes
8.
Excludable Expenses
If the notice reads:
“Liens not mentioned in Paragraph No. 7 are to be disposed of as follows:”
See Liens.
9.
Various
If the notice reads:
Issues settled (shown as a checklist on the form)
* This item may refer to attached addenda (labeled A, B, C, and so forth).
* Read this item and any addenda carefully for specified rates, periods, or structuring. We should adhere to specified rates and periods to the extent required by DI 52100.000.
Addenda (any format)
Various
* VR: If the worker never participated in VR, it may be settled for a specific sum or left open should the worker decide to request VR within a specified period. VR paid in a lump sum and not under a directed plan is subject to offset (DI 52110.005B.3.). For further information on VR, see DI 52120.030G.
* Future medical care: Excludable expense. See DI 52150.050B.2.b.
* Structured settlement at an LE rate: First, determine if the basis for the specified LE rate was the net award (gross award less excludable expenses). See DI 52150.065A and DI 52150.065D.
* Purchased annuities: See DI 52110.001.
* Lump sum for TD: Usually a catch-up payment based on a specified rate and specified period. If itemized as a catch-up, adjust any prior offset based on the specified rate and period. See the CAUTION in DI 52150.060D.3.
* Medicare Set Aside Trust for future medical care: Excludable per DI 52150.050D.2. Subsequent Addenda (those added to a C&R later): SSA is not bound by the terms of subsequent addenda that seek to avoid offset provisions. See DI 52150.065E.
J. Stipulations with Request for Award
The chart includes item-by-item instructions for processing offset based on a STIPS settlement. For information on how a stipulation is awarded and paid, see DI 52120.030C.3.
A STIPS is not a final LS award. To the extent possible, we adhere to the periodic payment rates and dates specified in the stipulated award. See Exhibit 2 in DI 52120.030L for a stipulations form.
Stipulations Paragraph
Offset Factor
ACTION
1.
Date of Injury
* If there is a single date shown, use the specified date as the date of injury for offset when needed.
* If there are multiple dates shown, use the latest date or the date of injury evidenced by WC claim payment documents, if different.
2.
Periodic Payment TD Dates/ Rates
* Use specified rates and periods for offset.
3.
Periodic Payments PD Dates/ Rates
* Under state law, “per week beginning” date should be within 14 days after TD ended. If not, use the specified date.
* Use specified rates and periods for offset. Do not adjust for any PDAs or prior STIPS credited toward the current award.
* Part of a PD award may actually be paid as a lump sum because it represents past-due periodic payments. This is a catch-up payment, not LS. DI 52150.060B.
* Life pension: If determined 70-99.75 percent disabled, a nominal life pension is payable after PP ends.
* Labor Code section 4658(d) adjustment: Refers to a possible 15 percent increase or decrease in PD payments based on whether the employer offered the injured employee work. Use the rates and effective dates as shown for offset.
The 15 percent provision is eliminated for injuries occurring January 1, 2013 or later.
4.
Excludable Expenses – Future Medical
* Informational only for offset.
* If there is an indication of a need for medical, the insurance carrier remains responsible for medical expenses. Therefore, we would not expect to use any excludable expenses when computing offset.
5.
Excludable Expenses - Medical/ Legal
Informational only for offset. It lists expenses in connection with the WC claim that the insurance company covers.
6.
Excludable Expenses -Attorney Fees
* Use the amount shown (usually 12–15 percent of the gross award).
* Unless otherwise specified, deduct attorney fees from the far end of the award per DI 52120.030D:
* Use ICF WC/PDB to compute a trial LS computation treating the gross PD award amount as the LS amount.
* Select method C.
* Use the trial LS results to enter the STIPS as periodic payments in ICF.
* To remove offset, establish a manual diary.
7.
Excludable Expenses -Liens
* Lists outstanding liens which the insurance company agrees to pay, including doctors, laboratories, EDD, and so forth (not attorney fees).
* Not excludable if paid directly by the insurance company.
* Generally in STIPS, the insurance company agrees to be responsible for the EDD lien.
* For instructions on adjusting any PDB offset when an EDD lien is repaid by any party, see DI 52135.030G.
8.
(New to form, 10/2005)
Excludable Expenses
* Labor Code section 5814 penalties: Refers to penalties resulting from an employer's failure to make timely WC payments.
* Amounts specified as penalties are not subject to offset.
8. or 9.
Various
Miscellaneous agreements may include:
Waiver or declination of VR exchange for a cash settlement. VR paid in a lump sum and not under a directed plan is subject to offset (DI 52110.005B.3). For further information on VR, see DI 52120.030G.
* Cash settlement of other WC issues such as past-due TD. Past-due periodic payments are not LSs. See the CAUTION in DI 52150.060D.3.
* Agreement that insurance company reimburses the worker for medical expenses: Not excludable per DI 52150.050A.
* Agreement for the insurance company to “take credit for” a prior stipulated award based on the same injury/claim. If specified in this manner, the current award supersedes the prior award. Base offset only on the current gross award. We do not credit (exclude) the prior award. See DI 52150.050 for excludable expenses.
K. How to Verify WC Payment Amounts
1. Contacting insurance carriers
* Obtain WC payment information from the NH, attorney, insurance companies, self-insured employers, third-party administrators, and the SCIF by following the instructions in DI 52145.001.
* Obtain carrier contact information from the WNPSC Workers' Compensation Carrier's Address Listing
2. Contacting the Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB)
IMPORTANT: Contact the Appeals Board only as a last resort. WCAB offices only have continuing payment information available online. They must retrieve prior WC payment information from archived paper files.
To contact the California WCAB:
* Send a Form SSA-1709 (Request for Workers' Compensation/Public Disability Benefit Information) to the WCAB district office that most likely has the material, based on geographical location. See the WCAB directory
NOTE: Do not send an SSA-1709 to the headquarters office in San Francisco.
* If you receive a form letter in response, complete and return the WCAB Form AD-2, Request for WCAB Case # Search. WCAB completes the form to provide the CAB Case #, date of injury, location of the file, and status of the file.
* When you receive the Form AD-2 reply, forward the information to the SSA FO parallel to the WCAB office where the file is located.
* Request the FO to secure the information.
* If the FO is unable to comply with the request, provide the information to the NH. Request the NH to visit the WCAB office, obtain a WC payment history, and forward the information to us.
* Diary for 45 days.
* If you receive no response from the NH, do not pursue the issue further.
* Make a determination based on the best available information.
3. Online Access
There is no SSA online WC access for California.
You can obtain general case information online through the search function on the State of California Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) Electronic Adjudication Management System (EAMS) public information search page.
4. Specific development issues
a. Verifying VRMA Payments
When verifying WC payments for injuries before 2004 through insurance companies and other payers, specifically ask that VRMA payments are included as noted in DI 52120.030C.2.c.
Form SSA-1709 does not specify that VR payments are included as periodic WC/PDB payments and payers do not routinely include information on VRMA payments unless specifically asked.
b. Obtaining Copies of Settlement Documents
Whenever possible, request full copies of any C&R or other settlement documents. Payment history printouts and SSA-1709 entries often do not contain enough information about a settlement for an accurate offset determination. Copies of settlement documents should be the final versions approved by the WCAB judge.
c. Questioning Form SSA-1709 Medical Expenses
If a carrier completes Section II.8.b.1 or 2 of the SSA-1709 showing an amount for “Present and past medical expenses” or “Future medical expenses” as a deduction from the gross LS payment, do not routinely use the amount shown as an excludable expense. Carriers may inadvertently list all medical expenses they paid on the claim. Before excluding any listed amount, verify the amount shown was deducted from the LS and not paid by the carrier. If a complete copy of the C&R is available, you can accept this as proof of which expenses were specified in the award. No further development is necessary.
L. Exhibits
* Exhibit 1: California State Compromise and Release Form
* Exhibit 2: California State Stipulations with Request for Award Forms
* For injuries on or after January 1, 2013
* For injuries before January 1, 2013
* Exhibit 3: Example of a Findings & Award
M. Case examples
* Coordinated WC and SDI Payments
* TD Followed by C&R (No PD Advances)
* Prorating WC Lump Sum When Prior PDA Rate Unknown
* C&R Involving Prior TD Overpayment
* C&R Involving a Lump Sum and Structured Periodic Payments
* TD With Intervening Lump Sum PDA & VRMA Followed by C&R – Attorney Fee Expense from VRMA
* SDI, PDA, VRMA, PDA, Lump Sum [EDD Lien]
* Stipulations With Request for Award [Prior Stipulations]
* C&R with Structured Settlement and Purchased Annuity
N. References
* DI 52135.030 - California Public Disability Benefit (PDB)
* DI 52105.001 - Reverse Offset
* DI 52150.060 - Prorating a Workers' Compensation/Public Disability Benefit (WC/PDB) Lump Sum
* DI 52150.065 - Complex Lump Sum Settlement Provisions
* DI 52150.050 - Excludable Expenses
* DI 52110.005 - Vocational Rehabilitation Payments
* DI 52150.080 - Triennial Redetermination of the Average Current Earnings (ACE)
* DI 52150.045 - Chart of States' Maximum Workers' Compensation (WC) Benefits
* SSR 87-20c - Reduction of Benefits Upon Receipt of Lump-Sum Workers' Compensation Settlement
* State of California Department of Industrial Relations Division of Workers' Compensation

POMS Reference

DI 52120.030: California Workers' Compensation (WC)