Lawmakers in New York are considering a bill that would more than double the minimum workers’ compensation benefit payment.

SB 8271, by Sen. James Sanders Jr., D-South Ozone Park, would require that the minimum payment for temporary and permanent disability be 20% of the state’s average weekly wage. If a worker earns wages equal to or less than one-fifth of the average wage, the worker would receive his or her full wages in benefits, under the bill.

Current law, which applies to injuries occurring after 2013, sets the minimum payment at $150 per week unless a worker earns less, in which case the person shall receive his or her full wages.

New York’s current average weekly wage is $1,594, meaning SB 8271 would increase the minimum payment to $318.80.

The new guidelines would go into effect immediately if passed and would apply only to injuries that occur on or after that effective date.

Business Insurance is a sister publication of WorkCompCentral. More stories are here.