1. (1) When a worker has been awarded compensation for permanent partial disability, and the total amount of the award does not exceed $6,000, the insurer or the self-insured employer shall pay the total amount of the award to the worker in a lump sum payment.

2. (2)

   1. (a) Subject to paragraph (b) of this subsection, when a worker has been awarded compensation for permanent partial disability, the total amount of the award exceeds $6,000 and the worker requests payment of all or part of the award in a lump sum payment, the insurer or self-insured employer shall make the payment requested if:

      1. (A) The worker has waived the right to request reconsideration of the notice of closure; or
      2. (B) The award has become final by operation of law.

   2. (b) The insurer or self-insured employer is not required to make the payment requested if:

      1. (A) The insurer or self-insured employer timely requests reconsideration of the notice of closure under ORS 656.268 (5)(e) and the reconsideration proceeding has not yet been completed;
      2. (B) Payment of compensation has been stayed pending a request for hearing or review under ORS 656.313; or
      3. (C) The worker is enrolled and actively engaged in training according to rules adopted pursuant to ORS 656.340 and 656.726.
3. (3) Any unpaid balance of the award that is not paid in a lump sum payment shall be paid pursuant to ORS 656.216.

[Amended by 1957 c.574 §4; 1959 c.449 §1; 1965 c.285 §23a; 1973 c.221 §1; 1981 c.854 §13; 1983 c.816 §15; 1995 c.332 §22; 2007 c.270 §1; 2025 c.25 §1]