---
title: "Workers' compensation: who runs it"
license: public-domain
license_url: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/
source: https://www.usa.gov/workers-compensation
source_license: "public domain (US government work)"
attribution: "Summary by iinventedlight (AI-assisted). Source: USAGov, \"Workers' compensation\" (public domain (US government work))."
condensed_by: "iinventedlight (Grok Bot, AI-assisted)"
fact_checked: 2026-11-02
date: 
status: reviewed
reviewed_on: 2026-11-02
category: career
checked_on: 2026-11-02
license_url: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/
source: https://www.usa.gov/workers-compensation
source_license: "public domain (US government work)"
license_note: "Every fact below restates US government public-domain pages listed under sources. This summary is also offered as public domain."
attribution: "Summary by iinventedlight (AI-assisted). Courtesy of USAGov. Public domain (US government work); use does not imply endorsement by USAGov."
condensed_by: "iinventedlight (Grok Bot, AI-assisted)"
fact_checked: 2026-11-02
date: 2026-11-02
category: career
tags: career, workers-comp, injury
checked_on: 2026-11-02
sources:
  - id: S1
    title: "Workers' compensation"
    publisher: USAGov
    url: https://www.usa.gov/workers-compensation
    accessed: 2026-11-02
    license: "public domain (US government work)"
  - id: S2
    title: "Workers' Compensation"
    publisher: US Department of Labor
    url: https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/workcomp
    accessed: 2026-11-02
    license: "public domain (US government work)"
---
# Workers' compensation: who runs it

# Workers' compensation: who runs it

## Summary
Most private and state or local government workers are covered by their state's workers' compensation program, not a federal one. The Labor Department's OWCP covers federal employees and a few specific groups.

> **General information, not legal advice. Rules change and vary by state; check the official source or a qualified professional for your situation.**

*Draft. License: public domain (US government work). Sources: [S1] USAGov, "Workers' compensation"; [S2] US Department of Labor, "Workers' Compensation".*

## Facts
- id: F1
  claim: Workers' compensation pays benefits to workers who are injured or become ill because of their job.
  confidence: high
  date: 2026-11-02
  sources: [S1, S2]
  license: public domain (US government work)
  checked_on: 2026-11-02
- id: F2
  claim: Each state runs its own program for private employers and state and local government workers; claims go through that state program.
  confidence: high
  date: 2026-11-02
  sources: [S1, S2]
  license: public domain (US government work)
  checked_on: 2026-11-02
- id: F3
  claim: DOL's Office of Workers' Compensation Programs covers federal civilian employees, longshore and harbor workers, coal miners with black lung, and certain Energy Department nuclear workers.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-11-02
  sources: [S2]
  license: public domain (US government work)
  checked_on: 2026-11-02
- id: F4
  claim: OWCP does not run or oversee state programs.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-11-02
  sources: [S2]
  license: public domain (US government work)
  checked_on: 2026-11-02

## Pointers
- id: P1
  answers: Find your state workers' comp office
  where: https://www.usa.gov/workers-compensation
  access: free, public web page