Dec-22-11 Annual Maximum Weekly Benefits and Taxable Wage Base Announced
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 -News Release- |
According to laws governing these programs, the maximum benefit rates and the taxable wage base must be recalculated each year, based on the statewide average weekly wage. The benefit rates and taxable wage base for 2012 reflect the $1,079.91 average weekly wage for 2010, which rose by 2.2 percent from $1,056.54 in 2009.
Effective January 1, 2012, the maximum weekly benefit amount for eligible unemployment insurance claimants will increase from $598 to $611. The maximum weekly benefit for state plan temporary disability insurance and family leave insurance claims will increase from $559 to $572, while the maximum weekly benefit for workers’ compensation will rise from $792 to $810.
The level of wages subject to wage taxes in 2012 will increase to $30,300 under the unemployment, temporary disability and family leave insurance programs; as well as the Workforce Development Partnership Program; and Supplemental Workforce Fund for Basic Skills; The taxable wage base in 2011 was $29,600.
Benefit eligibility criteria that are based on the State minimum hourly wage will remain the same in 2012 because they are based on the existing minimum hourly wage of $7.25 which became effective on July 24, 2009. The amount of weekly earnings required to establish a base week will remain at $145 in 2012 in order to be eligible for unemployment; temporary disability; or family leave benefits under regular criteria. The amount of earnings required in cases in which a claimant has not worked 20 base weeks will remain at $7,300.
The contribution rate for state and local government entities that choose to make contributions, rather than reimbursing the trust fund for unemployment insurance benefits paid to their former employees, will remain at 0.7 percent of taxable wages during calendar year 2012.
Below is a chart showing the 2011 rates and the changes taking place January 1, 2012: MAXIMUM BENEFIT RATES AND ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
| 2011 | 2012 | |
Maximum Unemployment Insurance |
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| Weekly Benefit Amount | $598 | $611 |
Maximum Temporary Disability Insurance |
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| Weekly Benefit Amount | $559 | $572 |
| Maximum Worker’s Compensation | ||
| Weekly Benefit Amount | $792 | $810 |
| Taxable Wage Base | $29,600 | $30,300 |
| Base Week Amount | $145 | $145 |
| Alternative Earnings Amount | $7,300 | $7,300 |
| Governmental Entities | ||
| Contribution Rate | 0.7% | 0.7% |
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