Can SIBTF really pay me $1 million dollars?
I heard that my co-worker will be getting over $1M dollars over the next 25 years. It is even possible?
Asked in San Diego, CA | Jan 1, 2025 | 2 answers
2 Attorney Answers

Brett A. Borah
Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Cupertino, CA
I agree with Mr. Wiesner. Do the math. $1,000,000.00 divided by 25 years equals $40,000.00 a year. Divide that by 52 weeks a year and you get Mr. Wiesner’s $769.23 per week. If your neighbor was making $60,000.00 or more a year when he got hurt, then, yes, it could be. And don’t forget about annual COLA increases to that $769.23.

Marc S. Wiesner
Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in San Jose, CA
| Licensed for 11 years
$1m over 25 years averages $769.23/wk. However, permanent total disability from the SIBTF adjusts for increases to the state average weekly wage so they might be getting less now and planning on more later such that the average would be $769.23.
Can it pay YOU $1m? That depends on your specific situation. If you think you qualify for SIBTF benefits and wanted to talk with an attorney, you could consult with a local workers’ compensation attorney with experience handling SIBTF cases.