New Minimum and Maximum Compensation Rates in the District of Columbia

The maximum compensation rate in the District of Columbia is now $1534.44. The minimum is $383.86. This represents a 0.9% increase.

Please note: The minimum rate does NOT apply to temporary total or permanent partial disability. The minimum rate applies only to permanent total disability. For example, if the claimant earns $300 per week, the temporary total disability compensation rate is $200 per week. In many jurisdictions, if the claimant earns less than the maximum rate, the compensation rate is the average weekly wage. This is not true in the District of Columbia. The claimant receives two thirds of the average weekly wage regardless of the minimum rate.

Also note: For those claimants receiving permanent total disability, the claimant is entitled to a supplemental allowance as of January 1, 2020. The supplemental allowance calculation is made based on the ratio of the claimant’s temporary total compensation rate to the maximum compensation rate at the time of the accident or injury. For example, if the maximum rate at the time of the injury is $1200 and the claimant’s compensation rate is $600, the ratio would be 50%. The claimant would receive 50% of the current maximum rate. Supplemental allowance is subject to a 5% maximum increase per year.

A chart of the maximum and minimum compensation rates is below.