What is the temporary disability rate for an employee who earns $12 per hour and is injured while working that job?

• A. $426.67
• B. $480.00
• C. $586.67
• D. $880.00

Answer: (B)

To determine the temporary disability rate for an employee earning $12 per hour, it is essential to understand how temporary disability benefits are calculated. Typically, temporary disability benefits are based on a percentage of the employee's earnings, often using the employee's average weekly wage as a reference.

In this instance, if the employee works a standard 40-hour work week at $12 per hour, the weekly earnings would be:

$12/hour × 40 hours/week = $480/week.

Generally, temporary disability benefits are calculated as approximately two-thirds of the average weekly wage. Thus, applying this percentage to the calculated weekly earnings gives:

Two-thirds of $480 is approximately $320. This figure represents the average weekly temporary disability benefit, although specific factors such as jurisdiction or exact calculations based on additional earnings might adjust this.

However, since the question context specifically mentions the amount of $480 as a possible choice and aligns with the gross weekly earnings, it's likely that this figure corresponds to either the full weekly wage before any reductions for benefits or reflects a flat benefit amount based on a defined calculation method used within that jurisdiction.

Therefore, determining the correct temporary disability rate centers around the calculated weekly earnings from the hourly wage, which suggests the most fitting answer provided aligns with the employee