Massachusetts workers comp.

When coverage is required

Massachusetts generally requires every employer working in the state to cover its employees. This includes an owner who is also an employee of the company, unless a valid exception applies. If your business is based in another state, make sure your policy meets Massachusetts rules. Listing Massachusetts under other-states coverage may need extra proof from your insurer. Check this before you send workers into the state.

Owners, contractors, and exceptions

Whether owners and officers can opt out depends on your business type and the right form. Ask the Department of Industrial Accidents or your insurer whether a Form 153 exemption or another form applies. An owner's opt-out never lets you skip coverage for other employees. Keep your insurer's confirmation with the policy and update it when ownership changes.

If an employee is injured

Workers should tell you quickly. You must file Form 101 when a worker loses pay for five full or partial days. You do not need to file for every small incident. The form is due within seven days after the fifth day, not counting Sundays and legal holidays. Tell your insurer quickly, even before you reach five days, and keep careful track of partial days. If benefits are disputed, the worker may need to file a separate claim.

Operating without coverage

The Department of Industrial Accidents issues stop-work orders to employers without coverage. Fines start at $100 per day, including weekends and holidays, and keep adding up until you get coverage and pay the fine. If you do not appeal, you must close right away. If you appeal, you can stay open, but the fine rises to $250 per day. Criminal penalties can include up to one year in jail and a $1,500 fine. Uninsured employers can also be banned from public contracts for three years.

How to arrange coverage

Get the right policy and post the required notice with your insurer's name, address, policy number, and who to call to report an injury. Massachusetts also asks you to post notices in the languages your workers speak. Decide who files Form 101 and sends wage records. A posted policy number does not replace a working reporting process.

Benefits and return-to-work planning

A work injury can lead to medical care, time off work, a lasting disability, or benefits for family members if a worker dies. Who qualifies, waiting periods, how wages are figured, and benefit limits all depend on state law and the facts of the claim. Ask your insurer which benefits it is looking at and what records it needs. Go by the doctor's work limits, not your own guess about what the worker can do. If you can offer lighter work, describe the duties and hours clearly and plan it with the doctor and your insurer.

Preparing an accurate cost estimate

Gather payroll by job and location, a description of each type of work, details on working owners, subcontractor records, and your past claims. Ask the insurer to confirm your job classes, how the rate is figured, any experience modifier, the minimum premium, fees, and audit terms. This site's calculator uses a base rate that you enter. It does not give a state-approved rate or a real quote. Compare offers using the same numbers, and track staff and work changes during the year so the final audit is easier.

Forms, posters, and notices

These links go straight to Massachusetts’s official forms. Your insurer can often send a poster with your policy details already filled in.

• Notice to Employees poster
• Making employees aware of coverage
• When an injury must be reported

Weekly benefit limits

These limits cap the wage replacement checks an injured worker can get. Medical care is paid separately. Limits change every year, so check the source for the latest figures.

Maximum

$2,007.20 a week

Minimum

$401.44 a week

Applies to

Injuries on or after October 1, 2026

• Massachusetts DIA: minimum and maximum rates

Check a contractor’s coverage

The Department of Industrial Accidents explains how to find out whether an employer has insurance.

• Massachusetts DIA: does an employer have insurance?

How to request and check a certificate of insurance

Owner exemptions and elections

Corporate officers who own at least 25% can file Form 153 with the Department of Industrial Accidents to exempt themselves. All eligible officers must sign. The exemption never covers employees who are not officers.

• Massachusetts DIA: request an exemption

Frequently asked questions

Your next steps

• Count your employees, check owner rules, and list every place people work.
• Ask a licensed insurance agent to review your business.
• Keep proof of coverage and set up a way to report injuries.