Mike DeWine and Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) Administrator/CEO Stephanie McCloud yesterday proposed giving up to $1.6 billion to Ohio employers to ease the economic impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

BWC’s Board of Directors will hold an emergency virtual meeting Friday to vote on the proposed dividend, which equals 100% of the premium employers paid in policy year 2018.

"This dividend is possible in no small part to the employers in our state that have worked hard to improve workplace safety and reduce injury claims,” said Administrator McCloud, noting checks will be going to employers later this month. “We are also fortunate that despite the market’s recent downturn, our fiscal position is strong enough to allow for this dividend while maintaining funds to take care of injured workers for years to come.”

Should the proposed dividend total $1.6 billion:
• An estimated $1.4 billion would go to private employers.
• Approximately $200 million would go to local government taxing districts (counties, cities, schools, etc.).

In late March, BWC told employers they could defer their monthly premium installment payments for March, April, and May until June 1. BWC also waived or postponed some requirements and deadlines for several programs that reduce employer premiums and applied the discounts automatically.

Learn more at the BWC website: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Frequently Asked Questions