Workers' Compensation by state

Workers' compensation requirements in District of Columbia

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Does District of Columbia require workers' compensation insurance?

Yes. District of Columbia requires workers' compensation coverage once a business has one or more employees, under the District of Columbia Workers' Compensation Act. The District of Columbia requires every employer with one or more employees working in the District to carry workers' compensation coverage.

Reviewed by Cornerstone Staff28 years of financial services state licensing experienceLast verified July 29, 2026

How the mandate works

The District of Columbia requires every employer with one or more employees working in the District to carry workers' compensation coverage. Coverage is secured through private insurers or an approved self-insurance program.

Coverage trigger: One or more employees
If you go without coverage: Operating without required coverage can bring fines, possible imprisonment for willful failure, and direct liability for an injured worker's benefits.

Notable exemptions

Exemptions are narrow and fact-specific; confirm your situation with the regulator or an agent before relying on one.

Sole proprietors and partners with no employees
Certain domestic workers employed for limited hours in a private home
Some casual employment outside the usual course of the business

Statutes and sources

District of Columbia Workers' Compensation Act

D.C. Code sect. 32-1501 et seq.

Regulator: DC Department of Employment Services, Office of Workers' Compensation . Last verified 2026-07-29 from the official source .

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