What Sets Wisconsin's PPD Schedule Apart
Wisconsin calculates permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits using a schedule that ties the percentage of loss to a daily wage rate based on the employee's average weekly earnings at the time of injury. Unlike states that use a fixed dollar amount per percentage point, Wisconsin's schedule adjusts the daily benefit to reflect actual wages, making it more responsive to differing salary levels.
More from this site
Keep reading the latest coverage
How the Schedule Is Structured
The schedule assigns a daily wage amount for each 1% loss of earning capacity. The formula is:
Daily PPD Benefit = (Average Weekly Wage ÷ 7) × (PPD Percentage ÷ 100)
Average weekly wage is calculated from the employee's earnings over the 52 weeks preceding the injury, including overtime, commissions, and bonuses where applicable.
Eligibility and Calculation Steps
To receive PPD benefits, the injured worker must:
- Demonstrate a permanent loss of earning capacity.
- Obtain a medical determination of the loss percentage.
- Have earned at least $250 in the 52 weeks before the injury.
Once eligibility is confirmed, the insurer or the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) applies the schedule:
Typical PPD Percentages and Corresponding Daily Benefits
| PPD % | Daily Benefit (Example $800/week) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $11.43 | Minor loss, often for single‑digit amputations. |
| 30% | $34.29 | Moderate loss, such as loss of a finger or partial vision. |
| 60% | $68.57 | Significant loss, like loss of a hand or full vision in one eye. |
Interaction With Other Benefits
PPD benefits run concurrently with temporary total disability (TTD) benefits but are reduced by any other compensation the worker receives, such as Social Security Disability or private insurance payouts. Wisconsin caps the combined daily benefit at 66⅔% of the average weekly wage.
Recent Legislative Trends
While the core schedule remains unchanged, recent amendments have clarified the inclusion of bonus pay in wage calculations and tightened the reporting requirements for employers. These changes aim to improve fairness and reduce disputes over benefit amounts.
Practical Tips for Claimants and Employers
For claimants, maintaining detailed wage records and documenting all forms of compensation simplifies the calculation. Employers should ensure accurate reporting of wages to avoid underpayment or overpayment, which can trigger audits by the DWD.