OVERVIEW
An employee who sustains a work injury may be entitled to benefits under Iowa workers' compensation law.
This page contains frequently asked questions (FAQ) about eligibility for workers' compensation benefits under Iowa law.
LEGAL ADVICE
The FAQ pages are intended to provide general information about the Iowa workers' compensation system. For resources to help you get legal advice, click here.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- What types of injuries or conditions are covered by workers' compensation in Iowa?
- Are all employees eligible to receive workers' compensation benefits in Iowa?
- Are independent contractors eligible for workers' compensation benefits in Iowa?
- Are limited liability company members eligible for workers' compensation benefits in Iowa?
- Are proprietors eligible for workers' compensation benefits in Iowa?
- Are partners eligible for workers' compensation benefits in Iowa?
- Who decides if a worker is eligible for workers' compensation benefits in Iowa?
- Can an employee reject coverage by an employer's workers' compensation or employers' liability insurance?
- Can an employee elect not to be covered by an employer's workers' compensation or employers' liability insurance?
FAQ
What types of injuries or conditions are covered by workers' compensation in Iowa?
An injury may include any health condition caused by work activities other than the normal building up and tearing down of body tissues. Diseases and hearing losses caused by work activities or exposures are also injuries. Preexisting health conditions are not considered injuries unless work aggravates or worsens them.
Are all employees eligible for workers' compensation benefits in Iowa?
No, all employees are not eligible for workers' compensation benefits in Iowa. Most employees who are injured while working in Iowa are eligible for benefits. The law exempts a few types of employees, however.
Are independent contractors eligible for workers' compensation benefits in Iowa?
No, independent contractors are not eligible to receive workers' compensation benefits in Iowa.
Are limited liability company members eligible for workers' compensation benefits in Iowa?
Limited liability company members are not considered employees for purposes of workers' compensation in Iowa. But a limited liability company member may be eligible for benefits if they purchase a workers’ compensation insurance policy that specifically includes them.
Are proprietors eligible for workers' compensation benefits in Iowa?
Proprietors are not considered employees for purposes of workers' compensation in Iowa, but a proprietor may be eligible for benefits if they purchase a workers’ compensation insurance policy that specifically includes them.
Are partners eligible for workers' compensation benefits in Iowa?
Partners are not considered employees for purposes of workers' compensation in Iowa, but a partner may be eligible for benefits if they purchase a workers’ compensation insurance policy that specifically includes them.
Who decides if a worker is eligible for workers' compensation benefits in Iowa?
If an employer and worker disagree about whether the worker is eligible for workers' compensation in Iowa, the DWC will determine whether the worker is eligible for benefits under Iowa law if the worker files a petition to start a contested case proceeding before the agency.
For more information about the agency, click here.
Can an employee reject coverage by an employer's workers' compensation or employers' liability insurance?
Iowa law allows certain employees may reject workers' compensation coverage in Iowa.
For information about rejection of workers' compensation or employers' liability coverage, click here.
Can an employee elect not to be covered by an employer's workers' compensation or employers' liability insurance?
Iowa law allows certain employees may elect not to be covered by an employer's workers' compensation or employers' liability insurance.
For information about nonelection of workers' compensation or employers' liability coverage, click here.
MORE INFO
For more information about workers' compensation in Iowa, click here.