The workers comp payments increase that took effect July 1, 2026, will raise certain time-loss, pension, and survivor payments by 4.9 percent for eligible Washington workers. For roofing contractors, this announcement is more than a routine benefit update. It is an important reminder of how wages, workplace injuries, claim management, and workers’ compensation costs remain connected.
According to the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries, commonly known as L&I, the adjustment applies primarily to workers who were injured before July 1, 2025. Workers injured more recently will generally have to wait until July 1, 2027, for their first annual adjustment.
Key Takeaways
- Eligible time-loss and pension payments increased by 4.9 percent on July 1, 2026.
- The adjustment generally applies to workers injured before July 1, 2025.
- Survivor benefits connected to fatal workplace incidents or occupational diseases also increase.
- Workers injured from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, generally receive their first adjustment on July 1, 2027.
- The benefit adjustment is different from the 2026 workers’ compensation premium rate increase.
- Roofing employers should use the announcement as a reason to review claim records, payroll reporting, and safety practices.
Why Did Washington Workers’ Compensation Benefits Increase?
Washington adjusts qualifying workers’ compensation benefits each year based on changes in the statewide average wage.
The Washington State Employment Security Department calculated that the state’s average annual wage increased by 4.9 percent. L&I therefore applied a corresponding adjustment to eligible compensation benefits beginning July 1, 2026. The reported average annual wage increased from $95,160 in 2024 to $99,810 in 2025.
These annual adjustments are intended to help wage-replacement payments remain reasonably aligned with changes in earnings across the state. Without periodic adjustments, someone receiving long-term disability payments could gradually lose purchasing power while the wages of active workers continue to rise.
Which benefits are affected?
The 4.9 percent increase applies to several types of ongoing payments, including:
- Time-loss compensation for eligible injured workers who cannot perform their regular jobs
- Pension payments involving permanent total disability
- Certain loss-of-earning-power payments
- Survivor benefits paid after a work-related death or occupational disease
A temporary disability payment generally supports an injured worker during a period when medical restrictions prevent a full return to work. A pension may apply in a qualifying permanent disability case when the worker cannot return to gainful employment.
The exact amount remains dependent on the individual claim. Factors such as the worker’s wage at the time of injury, marital status, dependents, claim date, statutory limits, and other benefits may affect the final disability rate.
Who Qualifies for the 4.9 Percent Increase?
The adjustment generally applies to workers who were injured before July 1, 2025, and who continue to receive an eligible form of compensation.
Workers injured between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026, do not normally receive this adjustment in 2026. Their first adjustment is scheduled for July 1, 2027, because Washington generally does not apply an annual cost adjustment during the first year following an injury.
A practical roofing example
Consider a roofer who suffered a serious fall in May 2025 and continues receiving time-loss benefits because medical restrictions prevent a return to roofing work. That worker may qualify for the July 1, 2026, increase.
Now consider a second worker injured in September 2025. Although the worker may receive temporary disability benefits, the first annual adjustment would generally not occur until July 1, 2027.
The distinction is based on the injury date and the age of the claim, not simply whether someone is receiving benefits on July 1.
Does every payment simply go up by 4.9 percent?
Not necessarily. The adjustment applies to eligible payments, but minimum and maximum benefit rules can affect the final amount.
For the period beginning July 1, 2026, published calculations place the maximum monthly time-loss rate at $9,981. The minimum monthly rate is $1,247.62, with potential additions based on a spouse and qualifying dependent children.
Someone already near a statutory limit may not see the same dollar change as another worker. Social Security offsets, loss-of-earning-power calculations, minimum-benefit rules, and claim-specific decisions can also affect a payment.
Benefit Increases and Premium Rates Are Not the Same
One of the most important points for employers is that the July benefit adjustment should not be confused with the workers’ compensation insurance premium rate.
Both changes involve 4.9 percent in 2026, but they are separate actions.
| 2026 change | Effective date | What it affects |
|---|---|---|
| Average workers’ comp premium rate increase | January 1, 2026 | Amount employers and workers pay into the system |
| Workers comp payments increase | July 1, 2026 | Eligible time-loss, pension, and survivor payments |
The average premium rate employers and workers pay increased by 4.9 percent beginning January 1, 2026. L&I estimated that employers and workers together would pay an average of approximately $1.37 more per week for each full-time position. Employers generally pay most of the premium, while workers contribute a smaller share.
The July 1 adjustment, by comparison, concerns the benefits paid to eligible injured workers and survivors.
This difference matters for roofing company budgeting. A higher benefit amount on an existing claim does not mean that an individual contractor’s insurance rate automatically rises by exactly 4.9 percent. Employer rates are influenced by risk classifications, hours reported, claim history, experience factors, and other L&I calculations.
What Should Roofing Employers Do After the Increase?
The immediate payment calculation is normally handled by L&I or, for a self-insured employer, the organization responsible for administering the claim. Roofing employers should still review the operational issues surrounding active claims.
Confirm that payroll and worker hours are reported correctly
Washington workers’ compensation premiums are commonly calculated using hours worked and the applicable risk classification. Roofing businesses should verify that employee hours, job duties, and risk classes are reported accurately.
Office staff, estimators, sales personnel, repair technicians, tear-off crews, and installation crews may not always belong in the same classification. Misclassification can create billing problems, audit exposure, or complications when a claim occurs.
Keep complete injury and return-to-work records
For every workplace injury, preserve:
- The initial incident report
- Witness statements and photographs
- Medical restrictions received from the worker
- Communications with the claim manager
- Modified-duty offers
- Return-to-work dates
- Changes in hours, duties, or wages
A worker’s average weekly earnings and wage information can influence the original benefit calculation. Missing payroll records, inconsistent overtime documentation, or unclear employment status can complicate a claim.
Review light-duty opportunities carefully
A structured return-to-work plan can help an injured employee remain connected to the workplace while following medical restrictions.
In roofing, light duty must be realistic. Asking a worker with climbing restrictions to inspect roofs, lift materials, or access ladders is not appropriate simply because the task is described as “limited.” Suitable work may include inventory support, safety documentation, training assistance, scheduling, equipment tracking, or other duties approved within the worker’s restrictions.
Every offer should be written, specific, and consistent with the medical provider’s instructions.
Check active claims for administrative problems
The annual adjustment should generally be applied automatically. However, errors or delays can happen, especially when wages are disputed, benefit offsets apply, or the worker is employed by a self-insured organization.
An employee who believes the disability payment is incorrect should contact the assigned claim manager first. Complicated disputes involving wages, permanent disability, benefit eligibility, or an L&I order may require advice from qualified workers’ compensation attorneys. Roofing employers should also involve their insurance or legal professional when a claim creates compliance concerns.
Why Prevention Still Matters More Than the Rate Adjustment
A benefit adjustment protects workers after an injury. It does not reduce the physical, emotional, or operational harm caused by that injury.
Roofing remains a high-hazard trade. Falls, unstable ladders, skylights, heat exposure, electrical contact, falling materials, repetitive strain, and improper equipment use can turn a normal workday into a long-term disability case.
For a small or midsized contractor, one serious injury can affect far more than a single claim. It can disrupt crew schedules, delay projects, increase overtime, create hiring pressure, affect morale, and influence future workers’ comp costs.
Focus on the hazards that create severe claims
Contractors should pay particular attention to:
- Fall-protection planning before workers reach the roof
- Ladder setup, access, and inspection
- Guarding or covering skylights and roof openings
- Heat illness prevention and hydration
- Training for new employees and temporary workers
- Written rescue procedures
- Equipment inspections
- Supervisor accountability
- Documentation of corrective actions
Safety meetings should address the work crews will actually perform that day. A general talk held months earlier is not a substitute for identifying the pitch, surface conditions, access points, weather, power lines, openings, and fall-protection system on the current project.
The Roofing Contractors Association of Washington supports contractors through education, professional collaboration, industry resources, advocacy, and safety-focused programs. Contractors that need stronger processes should involve experienced safety and insurance professionals before an incident, not only after a claim has become expensive or difficult.
What the Increase Means for Washington’s Roofing Industry
The 4.9 percent adjustment reflects wage growth across Washington, but it also highlights the long financial impact of serious workplace injuries.
For injured roofers and their families, the increase can help with everyday expenses while recovery continues. For employers, it reinforces the importance of accurate wage reporting, thoughtful return-to-work planning, proper claim documentation, and effective jobsite safety.
Contractors should not treat workers’ compensation as a payroll task that receives attention only during quarterly reporting. It is part of a broader risk-management system involving hiring, training, supervision, safety, documentation, insurance, and employee recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did Washington workers’ compensation payments increase in 2026?
Eligible workers’ compensation payments increased by 4.9 percent effective July 1, 2026.
The adjustment applies to qualifying time-loss, pension, loss-of-earning-power, and survivor benefits. The exact dollar increase depends on the worker’s existing payment and claim circumstances.
Who is eligible for the 2026 workers’ comp increase?
The increase generally applies to workers injured before July 1, 2025, who are receiving eligible benefits.
Workers injured from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, generally receive their first annual adjustment on July 1, 2027.
Does the increase apply to permanent disability benefits?
Yes, qualifying pension payments associated with permanent total disability are included.
Permanent partial disability awards follow different rules and should not automatically be assumed to receive the same adjustment.
Are survivor benefits increasing too?
Yes. Eligible survivor benefits paid to family members following a work-related death or occupational disease also increase by 4.9 percent.
The individual payment depends on the underlying claim and applicable Washington workers’ compensation rules.
Is the 4.9 percent benefit increase the same as the workers’ comp rate increase?
No. They are separate changes.
The premium rate increase began January 1, 2026, and affects system contributions. The July 1 adjustment increases eligible payments made to injured workers and survivors.
Will L&I apply the new payment automatically?
L&I should normally calculate and apply the adjustment to eligible claims automatically.
Workers should review payment notices and contact their claim manager if the expected increase does not appear or if the calculation seems incorrect.
Stay Connected With Washington’s Roofing Community
Join RCAW to access industry education, professional collaboration, safety resources, advocacy, and opportunities to build a stronger roofing business.
Phone: (253) 561-RCAW (7229)
Email: Director@RCAW.com
0 Comments