Workers' Compensation

Both federal and state governments administer workers' compensation programs that provide wage replacement benefits, medical treatment, vocational rehabilitation, and other benefits to employers or their dependents who are injured at work or acquire an occupational disease.

State Requirements

Businesses with employees are required to carry Workers' Compensation Insurance coverage through a commercial carrier, on a self-insured basis, or through a state Workers' Compensation Insurance program.

See the state workers' compensation directory to find more information about your state's workers' compensation requirements.

Federal Programs

The Department of Labor's Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) administers two major disability compensation programs that provide benefits to specific types of employee groups. If your businesses employs one of these groups, you may be subject to additional workers' compensation requirements.

Coal Mining - Black Lund Benefits

The Black Lung Benefits Act provides monthly payments and medical benefits to coal miners totally disabled from pneumoconiosis (black lung disease) arising from their employment in or around the nation's coal mines. The Act also provides monthly benefits to a miner's dependent survivors.

• Black Lung Benefits Act : Compliance Guide
  A compliance guide that explains procedures for processing black lung benefit claims.
• Coal Mine Operators and Insurance Carriers : Compliance Assistance
  The Black Lung Benefits Act requires each coal mine operator to secure the payment of its benefits liability by either qualifying as a self-insurer or by purchasing and maintaining in force a commercial insurance contract (including a policy or contract procured from a State agency).
• Coal Mine Workers' Compensation Forms
  Online forms related to implementation of the Black Lung Benefits Act.

Longshore and Harbors Workers' Compensation

The Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act provides employment-injury and occupational-disease protection to workers who are injured or contract occupational diseases occurring on the navigable waters of the United States, or in adjoining areas, and for certain other classes of workers covered by extensions of this Act.

• Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Information
  Includes compliance assistance materials, fact sheets, and applicable laws and regulations.
• Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation FAQs
  Information on medical benefits, compensation, claims and insurance requirements under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act.