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Workers' Compensation Summary - Ohio

Two separate agencies administer Ohio's workers' compensation system: the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) and the Industrial Commission of Ohio (IC). The BWC is responsible for collecting workers' compensation insurance premiums, overseeing the insurance system, and paying out compensable claims. The IC steps in when a BWC claim is disputed. The IC hears and decides contested workers' compensation claims and issues.

The following brief summary is intended to provide a general overview of Workers' Compensation coverage and benefits in Ohio. See the separate topic for help with acronyms. For further information contact your local or state Workers' Compensation Program office. This information is based on data provided by the U.S. Department of Labor and updated by the Bureau of Workers' Compensation and the Industrial Commission, and is believed current as of January 2011.

Benefit rates are adjusted annually, and become effective each January 1. The rates discussed below are in effect during calendar year 2011.

Type of Law and Insurance Requirements

In Ohio, workers' compensation is compulsory, but some waivers are permitted (only for employer sponsored recreational activities). There is an exclusive state fund. Employers may self-insure, but may not insure through private carriers or through groups of employers. There is no exemption for employers with small numbers of employees.

Coverage of Agricultural Workers

Agricultural workers are covered the same as all other employees.

Coverage of Domestic Employees

Any domestic worker who earns $160 or more in any calendar quarter from one employer is covered.

Medical Benefits

Provides full medical benefits initially. After the employee has received temporary total disability compensation for 90 days, the employee must be examined by the Bureau of Workers' Compensation Medical Section to determine eligibility for continuation of compensation and the appropriateness of medical treatment being provided.

Benefits for Temporary Total Disability (TTD)

The percentage of worker's wage paid is 72 for the first 12 weeks and 66 2/3 thereafter. For weekly payments, the minimum is $261.00 (33 1/3 percent of SAWW or actual wage, if less) and the maximum is $783.00, 100% of SAWW. The maximum period of payments is the duration of disability. WC benefits are subject to Social Security benefit offsets and, if concurrent and/or duplicate, with those under employer non-occupational benefit plan.

Benefits for Permanent Total Disability (PTD)

The percentage of worker's wage paid is 66 2/3. For weekly payments, the minimum is $391.50 (50% of SAWW or actual wage, if less) and the maximum is $783.00, 100% of SAWW. The maximum period of payments is life. WC benefits are subject to Social Security benefit offsets.

Benefits for Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)

The percentage of worker's wage paid is not specified. For weekly payments, the minimum is not specified and the maximum is $783.00, 100% of SAWW. For non-scheduled injuries (based on a percentage of PPD), weekly benefits are limited to one-third of the state average weekly wage, for a portion of 200 weeks.

Disfigurement Benefits

Ohio law covers disfigurement that is "serious facial or head which handicaps employment". Benefits are a maximum of $5,000.

Offset Provisions in State Laws

Section 4123.56--Applies an offset against temporary total disability payments in the event of concurrent and duplicative benefits under an employer funded non-occupational benefits plan.

Contact Information

Bureau of Workers' Compensation
30 W. Spring St.
Columbus, OH 43215-2256

Phone Number: 1-800-644-6292
Fax: 1-877-520-6446

Office of the Ombudsperson: 1-800-335-0996 (toll-free, nationwide)

Internet: http://www.ohiobwc.com/

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The Industrial Commission of Ohio
30 W. Spring Street
Columbus, OH 43215-2233

Phone: (614) 466-6136 (Columbus area)
1-800-521-2691 (toll-free nationwide)
1-800-686-1589 (toll-free TDD)
Fax: (614) 728-7004

Internet: http://www.ic.state.oh.us/

Additional Information

BWC provides many resource materials to help both employees and employers become more familiar with Ohio's workers' compensation system such as brochures, fact sheets, and manuals. The listing of resource materials is available online at:
https://www.ohiobwc.com/bwccommon/forms/publications/nlbwc/default.asp

There are a variety of brochures available from the Industrial Commission to help customers through the disputed claims process. Each brochure contains general information, a question and answer page and contact information tailored to each area of the State of Ohio. Select from the list available online at:
http://www.ic.state.oh.us/news/brochures.html

Ohio State Code related to Workers' Compensation is available online at:
http://www.ohiobwc.com/basics/InfoStation/InfoStationContent.asp?Item=3.4.4121

A table of current and historical benefit levels is available at:
http://www.ohiobwc.com/downloads/blankpdf/CompRates.pdf

Other State's Summaries

Curious about the Workers' Compensation program in another state? Want to see a summary like this one? Click here to select another state's summary.

Source

Information for this topic was drawn from pages of the BWC and IC at:
http://www.ohiobwc.com/
http://www.ic.state.oh.us/
http://www.ohiobwc.com/downloads/blankpdf/CompRates.pdf

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