Weekly benefits are based on the employee's last paycheck reflecting which of the following?

• A. Current wage at time of injury
• B. Average weekly wage over a year
• C. Employee's last paycheck reflects the employee's usual wages
• D. Minimum wage

Answer: (C)

The main idea is how the wage base for weekly workers’ compensation benefits is determined. The weekly benefit is based on the employee’s usual earnings, as shown in the most recent regular paycheck. This provides a practical and stable reference for calculation, reflecting what the worker typically earns rather than the wage at a single moment (which could be higher or lower due to overtime, temporary pay changes, or other factors). Using the current wage at the time of injury wouldn’t reliably represent ongoing earnings, and using a full year’s average or minimum wage wouldn’t capture the employee’s normal earning level. Therefore, the last paycheck that reflects the employee’s usual wages is the appropriate basis for determining weekly benefits.