New Workers' Comp Notice Forms Effective Jan. 1

Effective Jan. 1, the Texas Department of Insurance Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC) approved new forms to help employers meet requirements for reporting coverage status and providing notice to employees. Texas law requires employers to notify employees if they carry workers' compensation insurance, including a written notice of coverage or non-coverage to new employees when they are hired. In addition, a new employee must be provided written notice of the employee's right to individually reject workers' compensation benefits and retain his or her common law right to recover damages for personal injury. This notice must be provided within five days after beginning employment or within five days after receiving written notice that the employer has obtained coverage.

Employers that do not carry work comp coverage are required to report the non-coverage status to DWC annually between Feb. 1 and April 30 of each year. In addition, they are required to notify employees that they do not carry work comp coverage. Contact our commercial department for the necessary forms or for assistance.