Workers' Compensation by state

Workers' compensation requirements in Massachusetts

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Does Massachusetts require workers' compensation insurance?

Yes. Massachusetts requires workers' compensation coverage once a business has one or more employees, under the Massachusetts Workers' Compensation Act. Massachusetts requires all employers to carry workers' compensation coverage for their employees, including part-time workers. Coverage is provided through private insurers or an approved self-insurance program.

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

How the mandate works

Massachusetts requires all employers to carry workers' compensation coverage for their employees, including part-time workers. Coverage is provided 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 stop-work orders, daily civil penalties, and possible criminal charges for willful violations.

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 who work fewer than sixteen hours per week
Some real estate salespersons treated as independent contractors

Statutes and sources

Massachusetts Workers' Compensation Act

Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 152, sect. 1 et seq.

Regulator: Massachusetts Department of Industrial Accidents . Last verified 2026-07-29 from the official source .

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