Workers' Compensation

Ohio Employers to Receive $1 Billion BWC Dividend

Ohio Employers to Receive $1 Billion BWC Dividend

Ohio employers have another reason to celebrate. The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) Board of Directors has approved a $1 billion dividend that will return approximately 90% of premiums paid for policy year 2022 to eligible employers. According to BWC, this dividend brings the total amount returned to employers under Governor Mike DeWine’s administration to $10.2 billion.

For many employers, the dividend represents a welcome opportunity to reduce workers’ compensation costs and reinvest dollars back into their organizations.

What the Dividend Means for Employers

The approved dividend is based on premiums paid during policy year 2022 and will be distributed to eligible employers across the state. BWC attributes the dividend to strong financial management and investment performance, allowing excess funds to be returned to employers.

Whether used to offset operating costs, invest in employee safety initiatives, or support business growth, these funds can provide meaningful value to employers of all sizes.

When Will Employers Receive Their Payments?

Eligible employers can expect to receive dividend checks throughout September and October. Employers should also be aware that checks will remain valid for 90 days after issuance, making it important to deposit them promptly once received.

Who Qualifies for the Dividend?

To be eligible for the dividend, employers must meet certain requirements. Employers should ensure that:

Their BWC policy is in active status and not lapsed.
Their 2022 Payroll True-Up Report has been completed.
There are no outstanding audit requests associated with the policy.

Employers who are unsure of their status should verify their account information as soon as possible to avoid any potential issues.

Continuing Relief for Ohio Employers

The dividend is part of a broader trend of reduced workers’ compensation costs for employers. In addition to dividend payments, employers have benefited from historically low workers’ compensation rates, helping businesses manage expenses while maintaining workplace safety and compliance.

For employers participating in BWC programs or managing workers’ compensation costs as part of their overall risk management strategy, it is important to stay informed about eligibility requirements, policy status, reporting obligations, and other compliance-related activities that could impact future opportunities and savings.