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(1) (a) After the employee has reached maximum medical improvement, the
claims-handling entity shall make the initial payment of impairment
income benefits no later than the 20th day after the claims-handling entity
has knowledge of the employee's permanent impairment rating; however
this initial payment may be made before the 20th day. The initial payment
of impairment income benefits must include payment for all full weeks of
entitlement since the date of maximum medical improvement up to the
time the initial payment is made. Impairment income benefits are payable
whether the employee is working or not.
(b) Impairment income benefits may be paid in either weekly or biweekly
installments. If the claims-handling entity pays benefits biweekly, it shall
issue payment for both weeks at the end of the first week. To establish and
maintain a biweekly installment schedule, the claims-handling entity shall
issue the check for the first and second weeks of entitlement at the end of
the first week, the third and fourth weeks of entitlement at the end of the
third week, and so on.
(2) (a) Impairment income benefits are paid at a rate of 50% of the average
weekly temporary total disability benefit, as defined in subsection 69L-
3.002(1), F.A.C.
(b) If impairment income benefits are due and no previous temporary total
disability benefits have been paid, the average weekly temporary total
disability benefit shall be 66 2/3% of the employee's average weekly
wage, up to the maximum compensation rate for the accident year.
(3) Impairment income benefits may not be offset by Social Security or
unemployment compensation benefits received by the employee.
Specific Authority 440.591 FS. Law Implemented 440.15(3) FS. History-New 11-8-94, Formerly 38F-
3.0192, 4L-3.0192, Amended 1-10-05.
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