L&I Stay-at-Work and Preferred Worker program reimbursements increasing — L&I’s increased SAWP employer reimbursements for light-duty accommodation under claims with a date of injury 1/1/25 and going forward are:
50% of gross wages paid to an injured worker for up to 120 days worked (max reimbursement per claim is $25,000). On claims prior to 1/1/25, the reimbursement remains at up to 66 days at a maximum of $10,000 per claim.
Tools and equipment deemed necessary for the light-duty job may be reimbursed up to $5,000 per claim. On claims prior to 1/1/25, the reimbursement remains at up to $2,500 per claim.
Training deemed necessary for the light-duty job may be reimbursed up to $2,000 per claim. On claims prior to 1/1/25, the reimbursement remains at up to $1,000 per claim.
Clothing deemed necessary for the light-duty job may be reimbursed up to $1,000 per claim. On claims prior to 1/1/25, the reimbursement remains at up to $400 per claim.
In cases where employers also end up accommodating their injured employee with a permanent modified job through the Preferred Worker Program (PWP), there are added reimbursement opportunities available under the same L&I claim for a total maximum reimbursement opportunity up to $75,000 per claim (if date of injury is 1/1/25 and on; otherwise, for claims prior to 1/1/25, the total reimbursement opportunity continues to be up to $30,000).
L&I’s Preferred Worker Program (PWP) helps injured workers with permanent residuals due to an on-the-job injury/disease to maintain or find employment by indemnifying their employer from future L&I claim liability for any condition up to three years. In addition, L&I provides the employer and the preferred worker (PW) with a premium discount as there is no charge for a PW’s hours under the Accident and Medical Aid funds for up to three years.
L&I’s increased PWP reimbursements under claims with a date of injury 1/1/25 and going forward are as follows:
50% of gross wages paid to PW for up to 120 days worked (max reimbursement is $25,000 per claim). On claims prior to 1/1/25, the PWP reimbursement is for up to 66 days at a max of $10,000 a claim.
Tools and equipment deemed necessary for the PW job can be reimbursed up to $5,000 per claim. On claims prior to 1/1/25, the PWP reimbursement is up to $2,500 per claim. Clothing deemed necessary for the PW job can be reimbursed up to $1,000 per claim. On claims prior to 1/1/25, the PWP reimbursement is up to $400 per claim. Continuous employment incentive of up to an additional $25,000 after 12 months of continuous employment in the PW job. On claims prior to 1/1/25, the PWP reimbursement is up to an additional $10,000 per claim.
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