Workers comp rates and rules in District of Columbia
District of Columbia has 0 workers comp class codes with filed rates, a maximum weekly benefit of $1,800 (66.67% of average weekly wage), and a statute of limitations of 1 year. Verified 2026-05-08.
Class code rate comparison
The top 0 workers comp class codes filed in District of Columbia, sorted from cheapest to most expensive per $100 of payroll. Cross-state percentile shows where each code sits versus the same code in other states.
| State | Occupation | Code | Rate per $100 | vs peers | Source |
|---|
Bottom quartile (cheap) Mid Top quartile (expensive) This state
District of Columbia coverage rules & benefits
Coverage threshold
All employers in the District of Columbia are required to provide workers' compensation insurance for their employees.
Max weekly benefit
$1,800 (66.67% of average weekly wage), effective 2023-10-01.
TTD weeks
500 weeks of temporary total disability benefits.
PPD weeks
312 weeks of permanent partial disability (whole-body schedule).
Death benefit
Up to $900,000 in fatal-claim death benefits to dependents.
Statute of limitations
1 year from injury date to file the claim.
1099 contractor treatment
The District of Columbia uses a multi-factor test, similar to the ABC test, to determine if a 1099 contractor is an employee for workers' compensation purposes.
Owner exclusion
Allowed. Sole proprietor self-coverage: optional. LLC member self-coverage: optional.
Estimate your premium in District of Columbia
Pre-filled to District of Columbia. Pick your industry and payroll to see a real premium range from filed rates.
Estimate your workers comp premium
Pick your industry, state, and annual payroll. Range comes from real rate filings.
Filing & compliance in District of Columbia
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Step 1, Confirm coverage threshold
All employers in the District of Columbia are required to provide workers' compensation insurance for their employees.
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Step 2, Determine class code
Your premium uses the NCCI class code that best matches your operation. The wrong class code can cost 4-10x more or get reclassified at audit.
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Step 3, Get a quote (or use the state fund)
Private carriers like Travelers, Hartford, and Liberty Mutual write coverage in District of Columbia. Schedule credits up to 25% are typical for low-loss accounts.
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Step 4, Track payroll & subcontractors
General contractors are liable for injuries to employees of uninsured subcontractors. Keep certificates of insurance for every sub.
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Step 5, Annual audit
Carriers audit payroll within 90 days of policy expiration. Have payroll segregated by class code, job descriptions on file, and overtime properly excluded from rated payroll.
District of Columbia workers comp FAQs
Who has to carry workers compensation insurance in District of Columbia?
All employers in the District of Columbia are required to provide workers' compensation insurance for their employees.
What is the maximum weekly workers comp benefit in District of Columbia?
The current maximum weekly benefit in District of Columbia is $1,800 (effective 2023-10-01). Benefits are typically 66.67% of the average weekly wage, capped at the state maximum.
How long do I have to file a workers comp claim in District of Columbia?
The statute of limitations for filing a workers compensation claim in District of Columbia is 1 year from the date of injury. Notice to the employer is typically required within 30 days.
Are 1099 contractors covered by workers comp in District of Columbia?
The District of Columbia uses a multi-factor test, similar to the ABC test, to determine if a 1099 contractor is an employee for workers' compensation purposes.
Can business owners exclude themselves from workers comp coverage in District of Columbia?
Yes, District of Columbia allows business owners (sole proprietors, partners, LLC members, corporate officers) to exclude themselves from coverage by filing the appropriate election form. Sole-proprietor self-coverage is not required; LLC member self-coverage is not required.
What is the penalty for not carrying workers comp in District of Columbia?
Penalties include fines, stop-work orders, and potential criminal charges. Employers are also liable for the full cost of benefits.
When does my workers comp carrier audit my payroll in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia typically requires a payroll audit within 90 days of policy expiration. Final premium is reconciled to actual payroll, and class code allocation can shift based on the audit findings. Keep payroll segregated by class code and have job-duty documentation ready.
Am I liable for subcontractors' workers comp in District of Columbia?
General contractors are liable for injuries to employees of uninsured subcontractors.