DeWine Proposes $1 Billion Workers’ Compensation Dividend for Ohio Employers

(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has asked the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) Board of Directors to approve a dividend projected at $1 billion for Ohio businesses. If adopted, this dividend would bring the total amount paid to private and public employers under Governor DeWine’s administration to $10.2 billion.

“Ohio employers have a bright future ahead,” said Governor DeWine. “Our state continues to grow and be one of the best places to live, own a business, and have a family.”

The total dividend payments would exceed the premiums employers have paid since 2019, meaning the typical employer will have received more back in workers’ compensation dividends than they have paid in premiums during Governor DeWine’s two terms in office.

“Governor DeWine has requested another $1 billion be paid to Ohio business owners,” said BWC Administrator Stephanie McCloud. “If this dividend is approved, BWC will have paid employers more in dividends than employers have paid in premiums under this administration.”

This dividend would equal approximately 90% of premiums paid in policy year 2022. Dividends like this are possible due to BWC’s strong financial management and investment returns.

If approved at the August Board meeting, this would be the fifth major dividend BWC has paid to employers since 2019 totaling $10.2 billion.

Ohio employers are also seeing the lowest rates in over 65 years. Private employers recently benefited from a 1 percent rate reduction that went into effect July 1, 2026, saving them $10 million in premiums.

Employers who did not complete their 2022 policy year true-up or have a status that is currently lapsed may be ineligible to receive this dividend. Employers have until Aug. 28, 2026, to complete their true-up for the 2022 policy year and resolve their lapsed status to receive this dividend.