Will I get a Cost of Living Increase Each Year?

The Department of Labor & Industries reviews each claim for a cost-of-living increase effective July 1 each year. The increase, based on the state average wage, is released to the public usually toward the end of June each year. If you receive Social Security benefits, however, you may not receive an increase on July 1 each year, but benefits recalculations (called triennial re-determinations) occur January 1 every three years after the Social Security offset or reduction in benefits.

For injuries which occurred on or after July 1, 2011, those workers will not get their first cost-of-living increase. They will receive all subsequent increases, however, as outlined above.