Which statement about temporary disability rates is true?

• A. They are always fixed for the duration of the claim
• B. They are computed using the rate in effect on the date of payment
• C. They ignore the date of injury
• D. They must equal two-thirds of pre-injury earnings

Answer: (B)

Temporary disability benefits are calculated based on the rate in effect when each payment is issued. In California, the payment amount is two-thirds of the worker’s average weekly wage, but the actual rate can change if the state adjusts the wage-rate schedule. Because the rate schedule can be updated, the TD amount paid can vary over time and is limited by the current minimum and maximum TD rates.

This is why the correct statement is that TD benefits are computed using the rate in effect on the date of payment. The date of injury doesn’t lock in a single rate for the entire claim, and the amount isn’t simply a fixed two-thirds of pre-injury earnings; it uses the current rate against the current AWW, within statutory limits.