WCD Lowers Benefit Fund Assessment

The Oregon Workers' Compensation Division lowered the assessment that funds certain benefits for injured workers to 1.8 cents per hour worked. The Workers' Benefit Fund assessment pays for return-to-work programs and cost-of-living increases for workers with permanent and total disabilities.  Employers must pay at least half the assessment and can deduct the other half from workers’ wages. The division said the assessment will generate about $68 million a year for the next five years and leave the fund with reserves sufficient to cover at least six months of expenses. Mo...