WCD Proposes Reducing Workers' Benefit Assessment

The Oregon Workers' Compensation Division recommends lowering the Workers' Benefit Fund Assessment to 1.8 cents per hour from 2 cents per hour. The assessment pays for return-to-work programs and cost-of-living increases for injured workers with permanent and total disabilities. Employers pay at least half the assessment and can deduct up to half from workers’ wages. The WCD said the recommended assessment rate would generate about $68 million annually for the next five years and leave the fund with a balance sufficient to cover more than six months of expenses. The ...