WSR 26-11-049
PERMANENT RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
LABOR AND INDUSTRIES
[Order 26-02—Filed May 19, 2026, 8:28 a.m., effective July 1, 2026]
Effective Date of Rule: July 1, 2026.
Purpose: The amendments to WAC 296-16A-050 How do I apply for reimbursements?, require submitting Washington stay-at-work (WSAW) and preferred worker applications for reimbursements online. If there is a need to mail or fax an application, the amendment creates the option to opt out of submitting online by contacting the WSAW supervisor.
When the department of labor and industries (department) has received mailed or faxed applications, there have been missing and illegible documents, which leads to longer processing times and missed communications between applicants and the department.
The online application system offers several benefits, including:
| |
| • | Faster acknowledgment of applications by the department. |
| • | Improved documentation. |
| • | Increased accessibility for applicants. |
| • | Enhanced communication tools between employers and the WSAW team. |
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 296-16A-050.
Adopted under notice filed as WSR 26-07-055 on March 17, 2026.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 0, Amended 1, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 1, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Date Adopted: May 19, 2026.
Joel Sacks
Director
RDS-6992.1
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 12-09-056, filed 4/17/12, effective 5/21/12)
WAC 296-16A-050How do I apply for reimbursements?
(1) To request reimbursements, fill out the appropriate stay-at-work reimbursement form ((we will supply you that is available on our website. One form is for wage reimbursement and there is a separate form for all other reimbursements. Once you have completed the form or forms, mail or fax them to us at the address or fax number provided on the form))through My L&I. One form is for wage reimbursement and there is a separate form for all other reimbursements. If you are unable to complete these forms online, please reach out to the stay-at-work unit supervisor for opt out instructions.
(2) For all stay-at-work reimbursements, in addition to the completed forms, we also need:
(a) Documentation from the attending provider restricting your worker from his or her usual work for the dates you are requesting reimbursement;
(b) A written description of the light duty or transitional work that enables the attending provider to relate the physical activities of the work to your worker's restrictions;
(c) The attending provider's written approval releasing the worker to do that work.
(3) For wage reimbursement, we need documentation such as payroll records and time cards that verify the dates worked and basic gross wages paid.
(4) For tools and equipment, clothing, and training, we need itemized receipts showing your expenses.