When determining the temporary disability rate, the rate used for a payment should be based on which date?

• A. date of injury
• B. date of filing
• C. date of payment
• D. mid-point between dates

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that temporary disability payments are calculated using the wage data that is in effect on each payment date. In California, TD benefits are two-thirds of the employee’s average weekly wage, with the amount subject to minimum and maximum limits. Because a worker’s wages or payroll rates can change during a disability, the amount due for each weekly payment is based on the rate in effect on the date that payment is issued. This per-payment recalculation keeps benefits current and fair.

If you based the rate on the date of injury, or the date of filing, you wouldn’t account for wage changes that occur during the disability, leading to over- or underpayments. The mid-point between dates has no basis in how TD rates are determined.