Supplemental Income Benefits are payable after impairment income benefits expire if which criterion is met?

• A. They have not sought any work since injury.
• B. They are earning more than 80% of their average weekly wage.
• C. Their impairment rating is 15% or more from the compensable injury.
• D. They have returned to work at full pre-injury wages.

Answer: (C)

Supplemental Income Benefits are meant for workers who have a permanent impairment from the compensable injury and who can’t earn near their pre-injury wages after impairment income benefits end. The essential condition that makes SIBs payable is having an impairment rating of 15% or more. This threshold shows the injury has caused a measurable permanent impairment, which is what SIBs are designed to compensate for. If the impairment rating is 15% or higher, SIBs may be payable, provided other requirements about earnings and job capacity are also met. Earning more than 80% of the pre-injury wage or returning to full pre-injury wages would typically stop SIBs from being payable, while not seeking work isn’t the triggering factor.