Workers' Compensation by state

Workers' compensation requirements in Pennsylvania

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Direct answer

Does Pennsylvania require workers' compensation insurance?

Yes. Pennsylvania requires workers' compensation coverage once a business has one or more employees, under the Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Act. Pennsylvania requires employers with one or more employees to carry workers' compensation coverage. Coverage can be obtained from private insurers, the State Workers' Insurance Fund, 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

Pennsylvania requires employers with one or more employees to carry workers' compensation coverage. Coverage can be obtained from private insurers, the State Workers' Insurance Fund, or an approved self-insurance program.

Coverage trigger: One or more employees
If you go without coverage: Intentionally failing to insure can be a felony, with daily fines and personal liability for corporate officers responsible for the violation.

Notable exemptions

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

Sole proprietors and general partners with no employees
Certain agricultural laborers below statutory hour and wage thresholds
Some domestic servants and workers covered by federal programs

Statutes and sources

Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Act

Pa. Stat. Ann. tit. 77, sect. 1 et seq.

Regulator: Pennsylvania Bureau of Workers' Compensation . Last verified 2026-07-29 from the official source .

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