Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP)

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Division of Coal Mine Workers' Compensation (DCMWC)

Black Lung Monthly Benefits Rate for 2008

On January 1, 2008, new monthly rates went into effect for Black Lung benefits that include a 2.5% increase over the 2007 benefit amounts.* Benefits are always issued for the preceding month, so benefits issued in February for January will be the first to show the new amounts. The 2008 rates are as follows:

Part-B BLACK LUNG MONTHLY BENEFIT RATES (claims approved by the Social Security Administration - payments received around the 3rd of each month)

Primary beneficiary	$599.00
Primary beneficiary and one dependent	$898.00
Primary beneficiary and two dependents	$1,048.00
Primary beneficiary and three or more dependents	$1,197.00

Part-C BLACK LUNG MONTHLY BENEFIT RATES (claims approved by the U.S. Department of Labor - payments received around the 15th of each month)

Primary beneficiary	$599.00
Primary beneficiary and one dependent	$898.40
Primary beneficiary and two dependents	$1,048.10
Primary beneficiary and three or more dependents	$1,197.90

The amount of the February payment for January benefits should continue to be the regular monthly amount, unless the beneficiary is notified otherwise. However, if the beneficiary received an award under another state or Federal workers' compensation program, the amount of the monthly benefit payment may be less than the rate shown above.

*Benefit rates are set in accordance with the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act, as amended, Section 412(a)(1).

Please contact the appropriate U.S. Department of Labor Black Lung district office, if there are any questions concerning benefit rates or any other questions about Black Lung benefits.