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 injury 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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To comment on this site, please contact the WC web staff at (401) 462-8023 or WCWebmaster@dlt.ri.gov

Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training
Division of Workers' Compensation
1511 Pontiac Avenue, Building 71-1, First Floor, PO Box 20190, Cranston RI 02920-0942
Email: WCEdcUnit@dlt.ri.gov | Phone: (401) 462-8100 | TDD:(401) 462-8006
Sandra M. Powell, Director