Are meals provided by the employer considered part of an employee's earnings for workers' compensation purposes?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Only if the meal is paid by the employee
• D. Only if meal valued above threshold

Answer: (A)

In workers’ compensation calculations, the employee’s earnings include the value of in-kind benefits provided by the employer, not just cash wages. When meals are furnished by the employer as part of the compensation package, their reasonable value is included in the earnings used to determine benefits. This means the average weekly wage can rise by the value of meals, which can affect the amount and duration of benefits.

For example, if weekly wages are $1,000 and meals are valued at $100 per week, the earnings considered for benefit calculations would be $1,100, increasing the benefit base accordingly. There isn’t a threshold or a rule based on who pays for the meal—the key point is the value of meals furnished by the employer is included in earnings.