C. L. 332 - COLA Adjustments; Reimbursement Schedules and Attorneys' Fees
CIRCULAR LETTER NO. 332
TO: All Interested Persons
FROM: Paul V. Buckley, Commissioner
RE: Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) Payment and Reimbursement Schedules
& Requests; Maximum and Minimum Weekly Compensation Rates; and
Attorneys' Fee Schedule.
DATE: October 2, 2009 – Effective October 1, 2009
________________________________________________________________________
This Circular Letter should be used to determine all of the following:
(a) The maximum weekly benefits payable under M.G.L. c. 152 (prior to the application of any cost-of-living adjustment required under the statute);
(b) The minimum compensation rates payable under § 34 and § 34A;
(c) The proper amounts of adjustments to compensation required under § 34B and § 35F for injuries occurring before December 24, 1991;
(d) The proper amounts of adjustments to compensation required under § 34B and § 35F for injuries occurring on or after December 24, 1991;
(e) The reimbursement amount payable to insurers for COLAs paid on permanent and total or survivors' benefits for injuries occurring on or before October 1, 1986;
(f) The reimbursement amount payable to insurers for COLAs paid on permanent and total or survivors' benefits for injuries occurring subsequent to October 1, 1986 but before December 24, 1991; and
(g) Attorneys' fee schedule for claims involving injuries occurring on or after December 24, 1991.
The average weekly wage in the Commonwealth (SAWW) effective October 1, 2009 as determined under M.G.L. c. 151A, § 29(2) and promulgated by the Commissioner of Unemployment Assistance, is $1,094.70 [Please consult Table III].
Please see the Application of the 2009 New State Average Weekly Wage Resource to see how to apply the newly established SAWW.
Table I
CALCULATION OF COLA MULTIPLIERS
AND REIMBURSEMENT FACTORS
View Table 1