Ohio BWC Dividend Checks: What Employers Need to Know
Oct 05, 2026
In late August, the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) approved a $1 billion dividend proposal from Governor Mike DeWine. The Ohio BWC dividend is part of an ongoing effort by the state to return surplus funds to employers.
What Does This Mean?
Approximately 160,000 employers are expected to benefit from the Ohio BWC dividend checks. Employers should anticipate receiving a one-time dividend check by mail, which is to be equal to approximately 90% of their BWC premium base for the 2022 policy period. For private employers, that period is July 1, 2022-June 30, 2023. Public employer taxing districts would receive their dividend based upon the policy year ended December 1, 2022. Checks remain valid for 90 days after issuance.
Check distribution started in September, with all checks expected to be sent by the end of October.
Next Steps.
- Ohio BWC dividend checks 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.
Please note, for employers with an outstanding BWC balance, the dividend will first be applied to that balance, with any remaining amount issued by check.
For additional information and resources regarding Ohio BWC dividend checks, please review the BWC website here.
As always, if you have questions or concerns, please reach out your William Vaughan Company advisor.
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