Rhode Island Division of Workers' Compensation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is workers' compensation?
The RI workers' compensation system is a form of no fault insurance. It is designed to provide assistance to employees injured at work for medical expenses and lost wages. The employer buys an insurance policy to cover accidents to employees in the workplace. The employer's insurance company pays claims that are covered under the employer's insurance policy.

How does an employer buy workers' compensation insurance?
The employer should contact their insurance agent and ask about workers' compensation insurance coverage. There are many insurance carriers that provide workers' compensation insurance. In Rhode Island, The Beacon Mutual Insurance Company is the carrier of last resort. This means that if an employer is unable to obtain workers' compensation insurance from another carrier, Beacon Mutual should provide the coverage.

What if the employer experiences difficulty when attempting to obtain workers' compensation insurance coverage?
The employer should contact the Department of Labor and Training's Workers' Compensation Fraud and Compliance Unit at 462-8100, option #4 and the Department of Business Regulation's Insurance Division at 222-2246.

Who is covered under workers' compensation insurance?
Employers with one or more employees are required to carry workers' compensation insurance. Sole proprietors, partners, certain real estate, agricultural and domestic service employees are not covered. Police, firefighters, and federal employees are covered under different compensation programs. Municipal employees are only covered if the municipality has chosen to be covered. Independent contractors are not covered.

Who can collect workers' compensation benefits?
Covered employees who are injured at work or who become ill from working may be eligible to collect workers' compensation benefits. If your injury or illness is not work-related, a different program, such as Temporary Disability Insurance or Social Security Disability may provide benefits.