WCD Posts Updated Instructions to Determine Gainful Employment

The Oregon Workers’ Compensation Division announced a 7.9% increase in the threshold used to determine gainful employment and eligibility for permanent total disability benefits. The federal poverty guidelines for a family of three increased 7.9% to $24,860 from $23,030 in 2022. Gainful employment is calculated by comparing an injured worker’s wages to the federal poverty guidelines for a family of three. For injuries on or after Jan. 1, 2006, the threshold is the lesser of the worker’s adjusted yearly earnings and the current federal poverty level at the time a claim...