Work Comp Division Updates Gainful Employment Threshold

The Oregon Workers' Compensation Division increased the threshold used to determine gainful employment and eligibility for permanent total disability benefits. An injured worker's adjusted average weekly wage and the federal poverty guidelines for a family of three are the key factors in determining gainful employment. The federal poverty level for a family of three in Oregon increased to $26,650 in 2025 from $25,820. For injuries on or after Jan. 1, 2006, the gainful employment threshold is the lesser of the worker’s adjusted yearly earnings or the current federal poverty lev...