RCW 51.32.067 Permanent total disability—Death benefit options—Election.

(1) After a worker elects one of the options in (a), (b), or (c) of this subsection, that option shall apply only if the worker dies during a period of permanent total disability from a cause unrelated to the injury, leaving a surviving spouse, child, children, or other dependent. If, after making an election under this subsection, a worker dies from a cause related to the injury during a period of permanent total disability, his or her beneficiaries shall receive benefits under RCW 51.32.050 (2) through (5).

(a) Option I. An injured worker selecting this option shall receive the benefits provided by RCW 51.32.060, with no benefits being paid to the worker's surviving spouse, children, or others.

(b) Option II. An injured worker selecting this option shall receive an actuarially reduced benefit which upon death shall be continued throughout the life of and paid to the surviving spouse, child, or other dependent as the worker has nominated by written designation duly executed and filed with the department.

(c) Option III. An injured worker selecting this option shall receive an actuarially reduced benefit and, upon death, one-half of the reduced benefit shall be continued throughout the life of and paid to the surviving spouse, child, or other dependent as the worker has nominated by written designation duly executed and filed with the department.

(2) The worker shall make the election in writing and the worker's spouse, if any, shall consent in writing as a prerequisite to the election of Option I.

(3) If the worker's nominated beneficiary is the worker's spouse, and the worker and spouse enter into a dissolution of marriage after the nomination has been made, the worker may apply to receive benefits as calculated under Option I. This change is effective the date of the decree of dissolution of marriage, but no more than one year prior to the date application for the change is received in the department, provided the worker submits legally certified documentation of the decree of dissolution of marriage.

(4) If the worker's nominated beneficiary dies, the worker may apply to receive benefits as calculated under Option I. This change is effective the date of death, but no more than one year prior to the date application for the change is received in the department, provided the worker submits a certified copy of the death certificate.

(5) The change in benefits authorized by subsections (3) and (4) of this section is a one-time adjustment and will be permanent for the life of the worker.

(6) The department shall adopt such rules as may be necessary to implement this section.

[ 2006 c 154 § 1; 1986 c 58 § 4.]