Weekly Wage Loss Benefit in South Carolina Workers' Compensation

What the Benefit Covers

The weekly wage loss benefit compensates an injured worker for the portion of earnings lost while recovering from a workplace injury or illness. It does not replace the entire salary; instead, it provides a fraction of the worker's pre‑injury wages, up to a statutory cap.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, a worker must:

• Have a documented injury or illness arising from employment duties.
• Be unable to perform their regular job duties for a period exceeding 30 days.
• Submit a valid claim within the prescribed timeframe.

Calculation Method

The benefit is calculated as 50 % of the worker's average weekly earnings, up to a maximum of $1,200 per week (current statutory cap). Average weekly earnings are determined from the worker's last 52 weeks of wages, excluding overtime, bonuses, and non‑salary compensation.

Duration and Payment Schedule

Payments are issued biweekly. The benefit continues for the duration of the worker's medical incapacity, up to a maximum of 12 months, unless the worker's condition improves or a medical assessment determines otherwise.

Interaction with Other Benefits

Weekly wage loss does not affect eligibility for the South Carolina Temporary Disability Benefit or the Permanent Disability Benefit. However, once a worker is deemed permanently disabled, the weekly wage loss benefit is terminated.