Is Workers’ Compensation Insurance Required in Massachusetts?
Yes, Massachusetts requires most businesses to carry workers’ compensation insurance, even if they have just one employee.
Workers’ compensation insurance in Massachusetts typically covers all employees, with limited exceptions. If you’re actively working as an employee at your own business, you may also need coverage too.
There are a few exceptions to note. For example, domestic service employees are typically covered by workers’ compensation coverage only if they work a minimum of 16 hours per week.3 Sole proprietors aren’t required to have workers’ comp coverage unless they have employees.4
Massachusetts also requires employers to post proof of coverage in the workplace. This is usually a “Notice to Employees” poster that includes your workers’ compensation carrier’s name.5 The notice should be displayed in a common area and made available in languages your employees can understand.6
The Department of Industrial Accidents (DIA) offers an
online tool that employees can use to confirm whether a company’s coverage is active and up to date.
Workers’ compensation insurance in Massachusetts can help cover the costs of work-related injuries and illnesses and support employees as they recover.
Coverage may include:
- Medical care for work-related injuries or illnesses.
- Partial wage replacement when your employees need time off to recover.
- Missed wages when an employee gets hurt or ill and needs time off to recover.
- Ongoing care, such as additional surgeries or physical therapy after an employee suffers a severe injury.
- Funeral costs in the unfortunate event that an employee dies in a job-related accident.
- Disability benefits if an employee is temporarily or permanently disabled from a work-related injury.
Workers’ comp can apply to a range of work-related incidents, including:
- Accidents or injuries that take place on the job. For example, if an employee is stocking shelves at your store and breaks his arm, workers’ comp can help pay the medical costs.
- Illnesses from poor working conditions, chemical exposure or allergens.
- Repetitive stress injuries that develop over time and aren’t the result of a single accident.
The average cost of workers’ compensation insurance for The Hartford’s Massachusetts policyholders is about $966 per year, or roughly $81 per month.** Keep in mind that the cost of workers’ compensation insurance in Massachusetts varies because every business is unique. Factors like payroll, industry risk and claims history can affect your premium.
Massachusetts law requires most businesses to carry workers’ compensation insurance. If a business doesn’t have the required coverage, the Department of Industrial Accidents (DIA) may take action to enforce compliance.
Potential consequences may include:
- Stop-work orders that halt your business until coverage is in place
- Daily fines until a policy is secured
- Additional penalties under state law, which may include fines or other legal action
- Lost business opportunities, as many contracts and projects require proof of coverage
Maintaining workers’ compensation coverage helps your business meet state requirements and continue operating without interruption.
Who Regulates Workers’ Compensation in Massachusetts?
The Department of Industrial Accidents (DIA) manages the Massachusetts workers’ compensation system. The DIA serves as the court system for workers’ comp cases and provides support to:
- Injured workers
- Employers
- Attorneys
- Insurers
The DIA ensures that every employer in the state of Massachusetts has the right workers’ comp coverage.8
How Does Workers’ Compensation Work in Massachusetts?
Workman’s comp in Massachusetts typically follows a structured process when an employee is injured or becomes ill due to their job, such as:
- An injury or illness occurs at work or due to the employee’s job.
- The employee reports the injury or illness to their employer.
- The employer files a claim with their insurance provider.
- The insurance carrier reviews the claim and determines eligibility.
- Benefits may be provided to help cover medical care or replace lost wages.
When filing a claim, make sure you have the necessary information, like:9
- The exact date of the injury, illness, or death
- The type of injury
- The injured body parts
- The first day your employee missed work
- The fifth day your employee missed work
- The doctor your employee is seeing for treatment
If an employee wants to appeal a claim that gets denied, it can be resubmitted to the
Mass.gov’s website. The DIA will then review your employee’s claim.
Managing workers’ compensation insurance can feel complex. The Hartford makes it easier with tools and services designed to support your business and your employees.
We offer flexible options like
pay-as-you-go workers’ comp, so your premium is based on your actual payroll — not an estimate. This can help make payments more accurate and easier to manage.
We also provide an easy-to-use digital platform —
My Workers’ Comp Connection — designed to keep your employees informed and supported throughout the claims process.
With this portal, injured employees can:
- Check the status of their claim
- Review payments
- Sign up for direct deposit****
- Get a medical services card
This platform helps your employees stay informed while you focus on running your business.
The Advantages of Workers’ Comp From The Hartford
The Hartford’s workers’ compensation insurance helps protect your employees and your business when a workplace injury or illness happens. Our experienced claims team, digital self-service tools and responsive service support can help employees get the care they need while helping your business stay up and running.
