Workers' Compensation, RI Dept. of Labor and Training
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Spendable Wage Base Information

Before May 18, 1992, a worker's base weekly compensation rate was calculated to be two thirds of the worker's average weekly wage, subject to a maximum weekly amount.  As of May 18, 1992, the calculation of the base weekly compensation rate was changed to be seventy-five percent (75%) of the worker's spendable earnings capped at a maximum weekly rate.  Spendable earnings approximates a worker's earnings less withholdings. Withholding amounts take into account the maximum number of personal exemptions allowed to the employee, not the employee's actual net earnings.

In 2002, legislation changed the annual effective date of the spendable base wages from March 1 to May 10 starting in 2003.

The Division of Workers' Compensation publishes information annually on spendable earnings calculations.  The worker's date of incapacity determines which set of calculations to use.  For more information, please contact the Education Unit at (401) 462-8100 option 1, or email them at WCEdcUnit@dlt.ri.gov.

Spendable Base Wage Table Errors -  The Spendable Earnings Tables for 2006, 2005 and 2004 were found to contain errors. The formulas provided in each publication are correct. The tables that give the spendable base wage figures are wrong in some cases, which may result in a higher compensation rate for the claimant. The highest rate difference is $3.22. Corrected versions are now available below.


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Effective for injuries dates:
     
>  

May 10, 2011 through May 9, 2012 - Spendable Base Wages: 5/10/2011

>  

May 10, 2010 through May 9, 2011 - Spendable Base Wages: 5/10/2010

>   May 10, 2009 through May 9, 2010 - Spendable Base Wages: 5/10/2009
>   May 10, 2008 through May 9, 2009 - Spendable Base Wages: 5/10/2008
>   May 10, 2007 through May 9, 2008 - Spendable Base Wages: 5/10/2007
>   CORRECTED Effective for injuries May 10, 2006 through May 9, 2007 - Spendable Base Wages: 5/10/2006
Please note the 2006 amount allowed per exemptions is $63.46 as shown in the formula
>   CORRECTED Effective for injuries May 10, 2005 through May 9, 2006 - Spendable Base Wages: 5/10/2005
>   CORRECTED Effective for injuries May 10, 2004 through May 9, 2005 - Spendable Base Wages: 5/10/2004
>   May 10, 2003 through May 9, 2004 - Spendable Base Wages: 5/10/2003
>   March 1, 2002 through May 9, 2003 - Spendable Base Wages: 3/1/2002
>   March 1, 2001 through February 28, 2002 - Spendable Base Wages: 3/1/2001
>   March 1, 2000 through February 28, 2001 - Spendable Base Wages: 3/1/2000
>   March 1, 1999 through February 29, 2000 - Spendable Base Wages: 3/1/1999
>   March 1, 1998 through February 28, 1999 - Spendable Base Wages: 3/1/1998
>   March 1, 1997 through February 28, 1998 - Spendable Base Wages: 3/1/1997
>   March 1, 1996 through February 28, 1997 - Spendable Base Wages: 3/1/1996
>   March 1, 1995 through February 29, 1996 - Spendable Base Wages: 3/1/1995
>   March 1, 1994 through February 28, 1995 - Spendable Base Wages: 3/1/1994
>   March 1, 1993 through February 28, 1994 - Spendable Base Wages: 3/1/1993
>   May 18, 1992 through February 28, 1993 - Spendable Base Wages: 5/18/1992
     

 
RI Department of Labor and Training
Workers' Compensation
Center General Complex
1511 Pontiac Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920


Phone: (401) 462-8100
Fax (401) 462-8105
TTY via RI Relay: 711
10/28/11 MDF
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