Workers comp rates and rules in Massachusetts
Massachusetts has 0 workers comp class codes with filed rates, a maximum weekly benefit of $2,695 (60% of average weekly wage), and a statute of limitations of 4 years. Verified 2026-05-08.
Class code rate comparison
The top 0 workers comp class codes filed in Massachusetts, 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
Massachusetts coverage rules & benefits
Coverage threshold
any person or business that employs workers must purchase workers' compensation insurance except (i) individuals employing people to do work on their own homes, (ii) non-profit corporations with no paid staff, and (iii) corporations in which each employee is an officer/director who owns at least 25% of the corporation and each has given up his/her right to workers' compensation benefits in the state.
Max weekly benefit
$2,695 (60% of average weekly wage), effective 2024.
TTD weeks
156 weeks of temporary total disability benefits.
PPD weeks
250 weeks of permanent partial disability (whole-body schedule).
Statute of limitations
4 years from injury date to file the claim.
1099 contractor treatment
Massachusetts uses a strict 'ABC test' to determine independent contractor status; workers failing any part of the test are typically considered employees for workers' compensation purposes.
Owner exclusion
Allowed. Sole proprietor self-coverage: optional. LLC member self-coverage: optional.
State fund
Massachusetts Assigned Risk Pool is the state-administered carrier.
Estimate your premium in Massachusetts
Pre-filled to Massachusetts. 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 Massachusetts
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Step 1, Confirm coverage threshold
any person or business that employs workers must purchase workers' compensation insurance except (i) individuals employing people to do work on their own homes, (ii) non-profit corporations with no paid staff, and (iii) corporations in which each employee is an officer/director who owns at least 25% of the corporation and each has given up his/her right to workers' compensation benefits in the state.
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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)
Massachusetts Assigned Risk Pool is one option; private carriers like Travelers, Hartford, and Liberty Mutual also write coverage in Massachusetts. Schedule credits up to 15% are typical for low-loss accounts.
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Step 4, Track payroll & subcontractors
General contractors are typically responsible for ensuring subcontractors carry workers' compensation insurance; otherwise, they may be liable for the subcontractor's employees' injuries. 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.
Massachusetts workers comp FAQs
Who has to carry workers compensation insurance in Massachusetts?
any person or business that employs workers must purchase workers' compensation insurance except (i) individuals employing people to do work on their own homes, (ii) non-profit corporations with no paid staff, and (iii) corporations in which each employee is an officer/director who owns at least 25% of the corporation and each has given up his/her right to workers' compensation benefits in the state.
What is the maximum weekly workers comp benefit in Massachusetts?
The current maximum weekly benefit in Massachusetts is $2,695 (effective 2024). Benefits are typically 60% of the average weekly wage, capped at the state maximum.
How long do I have to file a workers comp claim in Massachusetts?
The statute of limitations for filing a workers compensation claim in Massachusetts is 4 years from the date of injury. Notice to the employer is typically required within 30 days.
Are 1099 contractors covered by workers comp in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts uses a strict 'ABC test' to determine independent contractor status; workers failing any part of the test are typically considered employees for workers' compensation purposes.
Can business owners exclude themselves from workers comp coverage in Massachusetts?
Yes, Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts?
Employers failing to carry required coverage face substantial fines, potential imprisonment, stop-work orders, and direct liability for all injury costs.
When does my workers comp carrier audit my payroll in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts?
General contractors are typically responsible for ensuring subcontractors carry workers' compensation insurance; otherwise, they may be liable for the subcontractor's employees' injuries.