Applying for coverage
Read each of the sections below to see if you need to submit an Application for Ohio Workers' Compensation Coverage (U-3).
Do you have the required information to complete the U-3?
Who needs a new application for coverage?
We require a new application for workers' compensation coverage from these entities.
- Employers with one or more full or part-time employees
- Independent contractors and subcontractors with employees
- Corporations with multiple owner/officers
- Out-of-state employers bringing employees to work in Ohio for 90 consecutive days or more
- Certain domestic household employers. See our Domestic coverage page for additional information.
Does an application need to be submitted?
Not sure if you need to submit an application? Here's how to handle some common situations.
- Formation of a new business.
- Ohio law requires employers to obtain workers’ compensation coverage for their employees from the date they first hire employees in Ohio.
- Contract labor/1099s
- For more information on subcontractors, casual labor, and other examples, visit our Contract labor/1099s page.
- Out-of-state employers
- Visit our Out of state employers page for more information.
- If coverage does not follow into Ohio for work to be performed in Ohio, Ohio coverage may apply.
- Out-of-state employers fact sheet.
- Buying a business?
- If you acquired an existing business, you may continue the use of the former owner’s policy with the Request to Transfer Existing Coverage to Succeeding Employer (U-115). If you wish to continue utilizing the former policy, you must confirm coverage has not been canceled.
- If coverage on the former policy has been canceled, you must proceed with completing an Application for Workers' Compensation Coverage (U-3) if you are amenable.
- If you are updating the existing policy, complete both forms, Notification of Policy Update (U-117) and Notification of Purchase/Sale or Merger/Acquisition (U-118). Authorization from the former owner must be obtained on the U-118 to process and update.
- Merging two or more entities?
- If you have existing policies with us and are reorganizing or merging to consolidate or create a new entity, you must complete a Notification of Purchase/Sale or Merger/Acquisition (U-118).
- Changing an entity type and no change in ownership?
- If you are changing your entity type for tax purposes and have an active policy, complete the Notification of Policy Update (U-117) to make those changes. You do not need to complete a new application and get a new policy to make this update.
Note: If you are unable to obtain the proper signatures for these updates, please proceed with a new application to obtain coverage. You will have an opportunity to upload documents to assist with processing your application.