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⏱️ What Are Time-Loss Benefits in Washington State?

by | Jun 24, 2025 | Workers Compensation

In Washington, if you’re injured on the job and unable to work, time-loss compensation—also known as temporary total disability (TTD)—helps replace a portion of your lost wages. These benefits are a key part of the workers’ compensation system managed by the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) or your self-insured employer.

At Althauser Rayan Abbarno, we’ve represented injured workers across the state and offer free injury consultations to help ensure your rights are protected and your benefits are paid fully and timely.

📊 What Do Time-Loss Benefits Cover?

Time-loss benefits compensate you when your doctor certifies that you’re unable to work due to a workplace injury or occupational disease. Benefits are calculated using your average gross income before the injury, including:

  • Wages from multiple jobs
  • Overtime, bonuses, and tips
  • Employer-paid health benefits

This calculation is governed by RCW 51.08.178. Depending on your family status, you may receive between 60% and 75% of your gross wages (see RCW 51.32.060 for full details). Time-loss payments are not taxed.

A new law passed by the Washington state Legislature provided for more fair compensation for time loss benefits for single parents who are injured and unable to work. See House Bill 1788.

🕒 When Do Time-Loss Benefits Start?

According to RCW 51.32.210, the first payment must be issued within 14 calendar days of the claim being approved or receipt of the medical certification. Payments are made on a regular basis—typically biweekly—under WAC 296-15-340.

There is a three-day waiting period, and no benefits are paid for the day of injury unless your disability lasts more than 14 consecutive calendar days (RCW 51.32.090).

💸 What If You Can Work—But Earn Less?

If you return to work in a light-duty or modified role, but your new income is less than your pre-injury wages, you may qualify for Loss of Earning Power (LEP) Benefits under RCW 51.32.090(3) and WAC 296-06-030.

✔️ LEP Eligibility Requirements:

  • You return to work at less than full wages due to your injury or physical limitations.
  • A provider certifies your work restrictions.
  • Your current wages are at least 5% less than your wages at the time of injury.

🧮 How Are LEP Benefits Calculated?

LEP benefits cover a portion of the gap between your pre-injury and post-injury earnings. For example:

If you earned $1,000/week before the injury and now earn $700/week, you may be eligible for benefits that partially cover the $300 loss.

Payments are subject to the same maximums and minimums as regular time-loss under RCW 51.32.060, but the benefit formula focuses on the difference in wage earning capacity, not total disability.

🚩 Common Issues We Help With:

  • Delayed or denied time-loss or LEP payments
  • Incorrect wage calculations that reduce your benefits
  • Penalties against self-insured employers for late payment under WAC 296-15-266
  • Appealing L&I time-loss or LEP orders

🛡️ We Protect Injured Workers’ Rights

Navigating the L&I system can be overwhelming—especially when you’re trying to heal. At Althauser Rayan Abbarno, our attorneys:

  • Ensure accurate wage and benefit calculations
  • Assist with time-loss and LEP claims
  • Fight for retroactive payments and penalties
  • Provide free consultations to help you understand your legal options

We represent injured workers statewide—from Seattle to Spokane, Vancouver to Bellingham.

📝 Final Takeaways

  • Time-loss provides income when you can’t work at all.
  • LEP helps if you’re working light duty or part-time and earning less.
  • Both benefits are protected under Washington law and subject to appeal if denied or underpaid.
  • The law is clear—but navigating it isn’t. You need strong legal guidance.

🌐 Hablamos Español — Spanish Language Assistance Available

At Althauser Rayan Abbarno, we understand that many injured workers speak Spanish as their first language. That’s why we proudly offer:

  • Legal consultations in Spanish
  • Spanish-speaking staff and interpreters
  • Help navigating complicated paperwork and hearings en español

We believe that language should never be a barrier to understanding your rights or receiving the benefits you’re entitled to.

🗓️ Schedule Your Free Injury Consultation Today

Injured workers can schedule a FREE consultation with one of our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys in Centralia by:

📞 Calling (360) 736-1301
🌐 Visiting CentraliaLaw.com/contact

Let our legal team guide you through the workers’ compensation process and help you secure the benefits you’ve earned.

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