Paycheck Deductions	en español

Who pays for workers’ compensation insurance?

If you are injured on the job in Washington, workers’ compensation pays medical benefits, as well as wage-replacement and pension benefits if your injury is so severe you cannot work.

Your employer may deduct from your paycheck up to half the cost of the premium that covers your medical benefits (the Medical Aid Fund) and half the premium for the fund that pays cost–of-living increases for pensions. Employers must pay all of the premium that covers lost wages and pensions (the Accident Fund.) In 2006, workers’ paycheck deductions contributed 21 percent of total workers’ compensation premiums paid.

Washington has the fifth-highest benefits for injured workers in the nation, while 34 states have higher average premiums. Workers are represented on the Workers’ Compensation Advisory Committee, which advises the Department of Labor and Industries on issues involving injured workers.

If you are injured at work, find out about your benefits and rights: