For Immediate Release

March 27, 2025

Contact: Elisa Rivera

Elisa.Rivera@sen.ca.gov (559) 264-3070

Senator Anna M. Caballero Introduces SB 555 to Provide Long Overdue Cost-of-Living Adjustments for Injured Workers

SACRAMENTO – In a major step to assist California’s workers injured on the job, Senator Anna M. Caballero (D-Merced) has introduced SB 555 – The Workers Disability Adjustment Act, legislation that will provide an annual Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for workers who have a Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) rating, to ensure benefits keep pace with inflation.

“SB 555 will create a cost of living adjustment for workers who have suffered a partial permanent disability while on the job. This adjustment mirrors the cost of living adjustment utilized for social security benefits, recognizing inflation and cost of living increases.” said Senator Anna M. Caballero (D-Merced) “This will allow for the individuals who have suffered a permanently life altering injury to receive benefits that will help sustain them when they need it most.”

California’s workers’ compensation system, first established in 1911, is designed to provide financial support to workers injured on the job. However, while costs for housing, food, and healthcare have steadily increased, PPD benefits have remained capped at $1,256 per month since 2014—leaving many injured workers struggling to afford everyday expenses.

SB 555 will align California’s PPD benefits with the Social Security Administration’s annual COLA adjustment, ensuring that workers who have suffered lasting injuries are not left behind as living costs rise.

“Our economy depends on the workers who keep California one of the most dynamic economy’s in the world and when they are injured on the job, they deserve fair compensation that keeps up with real-world costs,” concluded Senator Caballero.

For interviews or inquiries, please contact: Elisa Rivera at 559-264-3070

Senator Anna M. Caballero proudly represents California's 14th Senate District, leading efforts to advance clean energy, improve healthcare access, expand affordable housing and create opportunities for working families across Merced, Fresno, and Madera Counties.

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