Committee Passes Bill Restricting Social Security Offset to Comp Benefits

A policy committee in the Washington state Senate passed a bill that would eliminate the workers’ compensation offset for injured workers receiving Social Security retirement benefits. Federal law limits the combined total of Social Security disability and industrial insurance disability benefits to 80% of average earnings prior to a worker’s disability. The Washington state Department of Labor and Industries reduces workers’ compensation benefits paid to injured workers receiving Social Security when the combined payments exceed the 80% cap. L&I also allows for an off...