Maximum and Minimum Benefit Rate Update and Mileage Rate Update

Iowa has released the new Maximum and Minimum Benefit Rates under ICA §§ 85.31, 85.34, 85.37, 85.61(9) for injuries occurring July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018, as well as an updated mileage rate.
The injured employees weekly benefit rate is based on 80% of the employee’s weekly spendable earnings but is not to exceed the maximum allowable weekly rate at the time of the injury.
Maximum weekly rate for TTD, HP, PTD and death benefits is $1,720.00.
Maximum weekly rate for PPD benefits is $1,583.00.
The minimum weekly benefit amount for TTD or HP is equal to either the weekly benefit amount of a person whose gross weekly earnings are 35% of the statewide average weekly wage or the spendable weekly earnings of the employee, whichever is less. The minimum weekly benefit amount for PPD, PTD or death benefits is equal to the weekly benefit amount of a person whose gross weekly earnings are 35% of the statewide average weekly wage.
Statewide average weekly wage is $860.06.
35% of statewide average weekly wage is $301.00.
The updated mileage rate is $.535, matching the current federal rate.
The attached link will connect you to the 2017-2018 Ratebook by the Iowa Division of Workers’ Compensation: https://www.iowaworkcomp.gov/sites/authoring.iowadivisionofworkcomp.gov/files/2017-2018%20ratebook.pdf
If you have any questions about the application of Maximum and Minimum Benefit rates please do not hesitate to contact Baylor Evnen Iowa Workers’ Compensation attorneys Thomas Shires or Paul Barta at TShires@baylorevnen.com or PBarta@baylorevnen.com or (402) 475-1075.