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Alabama state flag Alabama Workers' Compensation Requirements

Required from 5 employees

At a glance

5+
employee threshold (general)
1
construction threshold
Private market
buy from any carrier
AL Department of Labor - Workers' Compensation
official source (verified 2026-09-08)

The details

Required when regularly employing 5+; contractors excluded from the 5-employee exception (construction effectively 1+).

If a claim happens: benefit amounts in Alabama

$1,130/wk max weekly wage-replacement benefit (66 2/3% of preinjury wage)
Waiting period: varies · Duration: see IAIABC Table 4A

Max TTD weekly benefit as of Jan 1, 2025 (IAIABC/WCRI Workers' Compensation Laws 2025 compendium, Table A.1). Annual-adjustment states have since raised 2025-2026 rates — verify before launch Medical: See state agency — benefit structure varies. Death: see state agency. Rate cycle: adjusts 07/01 each year. All states' benefit rates →

FAQ

Do I need workers' compensation in Alabama?

Yes — once you regularly employ 5 or more employees (full or part-time), Alabama requires workers' compensation coverage.

What about construction businesses in Alabama?

Construction has a stricter threshold: coverage is required from 1 employee(s), versus 5 for general businesses.

What if I don't carry required coverage in Alabama?

Penalties vary by state and can include per-employee per-day fines, stop-work orders, and personal liability for injury claims. Check the official source below for Alabama's current enforcement posture.

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Official source: AL Department of Labor - Workers' Compensation · Verified 2026-09-08 (official) · Compare all states · Construction rules · Farm rules