Workers comp rates and rules in Mississippi
Mississippi has 0 workers comp class codes with filed rates, a maximum weekly benefit of $562 (66.67% of average weekly wage), and a statute of limitations of 2 years. Verified 2026-05-08.
Class code rate comparison
The top 0 workers comp class codes filed in Mississippi, 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
Mississippi coverage rules & benefits
Coverage threshold
Employers with 5 or more employees are required to carry workers' compensation insurance.
Max weekly benefit
$562 (66.67% of average weekly wage), effective 2024.
TTD weeks
450 weeks of temporary total disability benefits.
PPD weeks
200 weeks of permanent partial disability (whole-body schedule).
Death benefit
Up to $252,900 in fatal-claim death benefits to dependents.
Statute of limitations
2 years from injury date to file the claim.
1099 contractor treatment
Mississippi follows the common law 'right to control' 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 Mississippi
Pre-filled to Mississippi. 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 Mississippi
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Step 1, Confirm coverage threshold
Employers with 5 or more employees are required to carry workers' compensation insurance.
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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 Mississippi. Schedule credits up to 25% are typical for low-loss accounts.
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Step 4, Track payroll & subcontractors
A principal contractor is liable for injuries to employees of a subcontractor if the subcontractor has not secured workers' compensation insurance. 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.
Mississippi workers comp FAQs
Who has to carry workers compensation insurance in Mississippi?
Employers with 5 or more employees are required to carry workers' compensation insurance.
What is the maximum weekly workers comp benefit in Mississippi?
The current maximum weekly benefit in Mississippi is $562 (effective 2024). 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 Mississippi?
The statute of limitations for filing a workers compensation claim in Mississippi is 2 years from the date of injury. Notice to the employer is typically required within 30 days.
Are 1099 contractors covered by workers comp in Mississippi?
Mississippi follows the common law 'right to control' test to determine if a 1099 contractor is an employee for workers' compensation purposes.
Can business owners exclude themselves from workers comp coverage in Mississippi?
Yes, Mississippi 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 Mississippi?
Failure to secure coverage is a misdemeanor, punishable by fines up to $1,000, imprisonment up to 1 year, or both, and the employer is personally liable for benefits.
When does my workers comp carrier audit my payroll in Mississippi?
Mississippi 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 Mississippi?
A principal contractor is liable for injuries to employees of a subcontractor if the subcontractor has not secured workers' compensation insurance.