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Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Requirements

Required from your 1st employee

✓ Verified 2026-09-08 Source: PA Department of Labor & Industry - Bureau of WC ↗ See something wrong? Tell us →

At a glance

1st

employee threshold (general)

construction threshold

Private market

buy from any carrier

PA Department of Labor & Industry - Bureau of WC

official source (verified 2026-09-08)

The details

All employers with 1+ employees FT/PT (PA DL&I official).

If a claim happens: benefit amounts in Pennsylvania

$1,394/wk max weekly wage-replacement benefit (66 2/3% of preinjury wage)

Waiting period: 0 days · Duration: TTD no fixed statutory week cap while disabled

2026 max = $1,394.00/wk (PA max compensation = statewide average weekly wage, set annually by DL&I; 3.5% increase over 2025's ~$1,346.79) Medical: No dollar cap — reasonable and necessary care for the injury. Death: Dependents capped at max comp rate ($1,394); burial $3,000+ (see DL&I). Rate cycle: adjusts 01/01 each year. All states' benefit rates →

FAQ

Do I need workers' compensation in Pennsylvania?

Yes — Pennsylvania requires coverage as soon as you hire your first employee (full-time or part-time).

What about construction businesses in Pennsylvania?

Construction businesses follow the same 1 threshold. See details below for industry nuances.

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

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 Pennsylvania's current enforcement posture.

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Official source: PA Department of Labor & Industry - Bureau of WC · Verified 2026-09-08 (official) · Compare all states · Construction rules · Farm rules