What is Workers’ Compensation?

Workers’ compensation was the country’s first social insurance program. It provides funding for medical care, rehabilitation, and cash benefits for workers who are injured on the job or suffer a work-related illness. Each state has its own workers’ compensation program. Total benefits paid and total employer costs vary widely across states, but much of the variation can be attributed to interstate differences in employment and wages.

By the Numbers

Academy Resources

This is the Academy’s 27th annual report on workers’ compensation benefits, costs, and coverage.
The 26th annual workers’ compensation report produced by the Academy provides the only comprehensive data on workers’ compensation benefits, coverage, and employer costs for the nation, the states, the District of Columbia, and federal programs.
The 25th annual workers’ compensation report produced by the Academy provides the only comprehensive data on workers’ compensation benefits, coverage, and employer costs for the nation, the states, the District of Columbia, and federal programs.
The National Academy of Social Insurance issued its 25th annual report on Workers’ Compensation Benefits, Costs, and Coverage – 2020 Data which contains updated data for 2016 – 2020.
This Workers’ Compensation Issue Spotlight explains how the federal Black Lung Program provides benefits to workers with a variety of debilitating lung conditions resulting from work in coal mines.
The National Academy of Social Insurance issued its 24th annual report on Workers’ Compensation Benefits, Costs, and Coverage – 2019 Data which contains updated data for 2015 – 2019.
The 24th annual workers’ compensation report produced by the Academy provides the only comprehensive data on workers’ compensation benefits, coverage, and employer costs for the nation, the states, the District of Columbia, and federal programs.