News
Ohio BWC Delivers Another Billion Back to Employers
Sep 8, 2026
Ohio employers received more welcome news on August 28, when the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) Board of Directors approved Governor Mike DeWine’s proposal to return $1 billion to eligible public and private employers that rely on Ohio’s state fund for workers’ compensation coverage. This latest dividend continues a strong streak of support for employers, bringing the total returned during the DeWine administration to $10.2 billion. Since 2019, Ohio employers as a group have received more in dividends than they have paid in workers’ compensation premiums to the Ohio BWC.
The dividend reflects BWC’s continued strong investment performance and disciplined financial management. Eligible employers will receive a one-time payment equal to approximately 90% of their premium base for the 2022 policy period. For private employers, that period runs from July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023; for public employer taxing districts, it is based on the calendar-year period from January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022.
The announcement builds on other positive momentum from BWC. Ohio’s aggregate workers’ compensation premium rates have declined nearly 50% over the last seven years, and BWC reports that rates are now at a 65-year low—another encouraging development for organizations managing workplace risk and operating costs.
Approximately 160,000 employers are expected to benefit from the dividend, including employers eligible through the Public Work Relief Employees’ Compensation Fund. The board also approved a separate dividend of roughly $200,000 for employers participating in that fund.
Employers can expect paper checks to begin mailing in September, with all checks scheduled to be sent by the end of October. Because dividends will be issued only by paper check and mailed to the address BWC has on file, employers should take this opportunity to confirm that their contact information is up to date. Lapsed or cancelled policies will not be eligible for the payment.
For employers with an outstanding BWC balance, the dividend will first be applied to that balance, with any remaining amount issued by check. Overall, the dividend represents another meaningful return of value to Ohio employers and a positive reminder of BWC’s financial strength.