Everything Wyoming workers and employers need to know about the exclusive state fund, workers' comp benefits, filing claims, benefit calculations, and more — plus a free WY-specific benefits calculator.
Calculate Your WY Benefits ↓Wyoming operates one of the most unique workers' compensation systems in the United States. As one of only four states with an exclusive (monopolistic) state workers' compensation fund, Wyoming does not allow private workers' compensation insurance. All employers must obtain coverage directly from the Wyoming Workers' Compensation Division, part of the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services (DWS).
The system is governed by Wyoming Statutes Title 27, Chapter 14 (the Wyoming Worker's Compensation Act). Wyoming's system reflects the state's economic character — dominated by energy extraction (oil, gas, coal), mining, agriculture, and tourism — industries with inherently higher injury risks. The exclusive state fund ensures all employers, regardless of industry risk, can obtain coverage at regulated rates.
Wyoming's workers' compensation system is mandatory for all employers with one or more employees, with limited exceptions. The system provides temporary and permanent disability benefits, comprehensive medical care, vocational rehabilitation, and death benefits. Benefits are calculated based on the worker's average monthly wage, with rates set at 66.67% (two-thirds) of the monthly equivalent, converted to weekly payments.
Coverage: Mandatory for ALL employers (exclusive state fund) | TTD Rate: 66.67% of AWW | 2025 Max TTD: $838/week | TTD Duration: Up to 24 months | Statute of Limitations: 1 year | Waiting Period: 3 days (retroactive after 8 days) | Medical Care: Employee initial choice, then managed care | Fund Type: Exclusive state fund (no private insurance)
Wyoming's exclusive state fund model stands apart from the vast majority of states that use private insurance markets. Only North Dakota, Ohio, and Washington share this monopolistic structure (though Ohio and Washington have introduced some private options). The state fund model provides guaranteed coverage availability — no employer can be denied coverage or priced out of the market, which is particularly important for Wyoming's high-risk energy and mining sectors.
The maximum weekly TTD rate of $838 places Wyoming in the lower-middle range nationally, reflecting the state's lower cost of living and average wages. However, Wyoming has no state income tax, which effectively increases the after-tax value of workers' compensation benefits compared to states with income taxes. The 24-month TTD duration limit is more restrictive than many states but is supplemented by permanent disability benefits for workers who don't fully recover.
Wyoming's exclusive state fund is the sole source of workers' compensation coverage in the state. Private insurance carriers are not permitted to sell workers' compensation policies in Wyoming. Every employer must participate in the state fund, which is operated by the Workers' Compensation Division.
Unlike the vast majority of states, Wyoming employers cannot purchase workers' compensation insurance from private carriers. They also cannot self-insure. All coverage must come from the state fund. This means employers cannot shop for competitive rates among insurers — rates are set by the Workers' Compensation Division based on industry classification and the employer's claims experience. The upside is guaranteed availability and simplified administration.
The Wyoming Workers' Compensation Division operates the state fund like an insurance program:
Wyoming's workers' compensation benefits are structured around the worker's average monthly wage rather than the weekly wage used by most states. Benefits are then converted to periodic payments. The system provides temporary disability, permanent disability, medical care, vocational rehabilitation, and death benefits.
TTD benefits are paid when you are completely unable to work due to your injury. Wyoming calculates TTD at 66.67% of your average monthly wage, paid on a periodic basis (typically bi-weekly), subject to the state maximum.
| Benefit Parameter | 2025 Rate | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum TTD Rate | $838/week | Based on state average weekly wage |
| Minimum TTD Rate | Actual benefit or full wage | Whichever is less for low-wage workers |
| Benefit Rate Formula | 66.67% of monthly wage | Two-thirds of average monthly wage |
| Waiting Period | 3 working days | Retroactive if disability exceeds 8 days |
| Maximum Duration | 24 months | Extensions possible in certain cases |
| Payment Frequency | Bi-weekly | Every two weeks |
TPD benefits apply when you can return to work but at reduced capacity, earning less than your pre-injury wage. Wyoming calculates TPD as 66.67% of the difference between your pre-injury wage and current earnings, subject to the state maximum. TPD is also limited to 24 months combined with any TTD received.
Wyoming awards PPD benefits for permanent impairment using the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment. Benefits are calculated based on the impairment rating and the worker's wages:
| Body Part | Maximum Weeks | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Thumb | 60 weeks | 66.67% of AWW |
| Index Finger | 35 weeks | 66.67% of AWW |
| Hand | 150 weeks | 66.67% of AWW |
| Arm | 225 weeks | 66.67% of AWW |
| Great Toe | 30 weeks | 66.67% of AWW |
| Foot | 125 weeks | 66.67% of AWW |
| Leg | 200 weeks | 66.67% of AWW |
| Eye | 150 weeks | 66.67% of AWW |
| Hearing (both ears) | 165 weeks | 66.67% of AWW |
For non-scheduled injuries (back, neck, internal organs), WY uses the whole person impairment rating under the AMA Guides. The impairment percentage is applied to the maximum whole-body award to determine the number of compensable weeks.
PTD benefits are paid when a worker is permanently and totally unable to return to any gainful employment. Wyoming provides PTD at 66.67% of monthly wage (subject to the maximum) for life. Certain injuries create a presumption of PTD, including loss of both hands, both feet, both eyes, or combinations thereof. PTD benefits are among the most valuable in the workers' compensation system due to their lifetime duration.
When a work-related injury causes death, Wyoming provides death benefits to surviving dependents at 66.67% of the deceased worker's monthly wage. A surviving spouse receives benefits until death or remarriage. Upon remarriage, the spouse receives a lump sum equal to 24 months of benefits. Dependent children receive benefits until age 18 (or 22 if in school). Funeral and burial expenses up to $10,000 are covered.
Wyoming provides vocational rehabilitation services to injured workers who cannot return to their pre-injury employment. Services include vocational evaluation, retraining, education, job placement assistance, and support services. The Workers' Compensation Division manages vocational rehabilitation through its own rehabilitation counselors, ensuring coordination between medical recovery and return-to-work efforts.
Enter your wage and injury details to estimate your Wyoming workers' compensation benefits based on current state rates.
Enter your details and click Calculate WY Benefits to see your estimated Wyoming workers' comp benefits
Filing in Wyoming goes through the state Workers' Compensation Division rather than a private insurer. The process is centralized and standardized.
Notify your employer immediately or as soon as practicable after the injury. Wyoming law requires prompt notice. Delays can complicate your claim. Provide details including the date, time, location, how the injury occurred, and body parts affected. Written notice is recommended.
Wyoming allows you to choose your own physician for initial treatment. Inform the doctor the injury is work-related. After initial treatment, the Division may direct you to providers within its managed care network. Emergency treatment can be obtained from any facility.
Your employer must file an Employer's Report of Injury with the Workers' Compensation Division within 10 days of learning about the injury. This report triggers the Division's claims process.
You should also file an Employee's Report of Injury directly with the Workers' Compensation Division. This ensures your claim is documented from your perspective. You have 1 year from the date of injury to file your initial claim.
The Workers' Compensation Division investigates and processes your claim. Unlike states with private insurers, the state fund makes all benefit determinations. The Division assigns a claims analyst who manages your case from filing through resolution. If the claim is accepted, benefits begin (after the 3-day waiting period).
Notice to Employer: Immediately / as soon as practicable | Employer Report: 10 days | Employee Claim Filing: 1 year from injury | Waiting Period: 3 working days (retroactive after 8 days) | Occupational Disease: 1 year from knowledge or last exposure
All Wyoming employers must participate in the state workers' compensation fund. Compliance is monitored by the Workers' Compensation Division.
Wyoming law prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who file workers' compensation claims. Wrongful termination in retaliation for filing a claim can result in civil liability for the employer, including reinstatement and back pay. Wyoming courts have recognized retaliatory discharge claims under the public policy exception to at-will employment.
Wyoming's state fund system includes a managed care component for workers' compensation medical treatment, making it different from most private insurance-based states.
You may choose your own physician for initial treatment. After the initial visit, the Division may direct your care to providers within its managed care network. The network includes physicians, surgeons, hospitals, physical therapists, and other providers who have agreed to treat workers' compensation patients under the Division's guidelines and fee schedule.
Wyoming has a comprehensive medical fee schedule that sets maximum reimbursement rates for all workers' compensation medical services. Providers must accept fee schedule amounts as payment in full. The Division regularly reviews and updates the fee schedule to reflect changes in medical practice and costs.
Medical benefits continue as long as treatment is reasonably necessary for the work injury. There is no specific time limitation. Even after a claim is closed for disability benefits, the Division may authorize future medical treatment if it is causally related to the original work injury. Workers can request reopening of medical benefits if their condition worsens.
Wyoming's dispute resolution system operates entirely through the state administrative framework, reflecting the exclusive state fund model.
When the Workers' Compensation Division issues a determination you disagree with, you can file a written objection within 15 days. The Division reviews the objection and may reconsider its decision. This informal step can resolve many disputes without formal proceedings.
If the objection does not resolve the dispute, either party can request a contested case hearing before the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH). An administrative hearing examiner conducts a formal hearing with testimony, evidence, and legal argument. The examiner issues a written decision with findings of fact and conclusions of law.
Decisions from the OAH can be appealed to the Wyoming District Court and then to the Wyoming Supreme Court. The courts review administrative decisions under a deferential standard, upholding findings supported by substantial evidence.
Disputes about medical treatment or medical opinions are common in Wyoming. The Division may order an Independent Medical Examination (IME) by a physician of its choosing. If the treating physician and IME physician disagree, the Division weighs the competing opinions in making its determination. Medical disputes follow the same objection and hearing process described above.
Wyoming's settlement process differs from private insurance states because the state fund is involved in every settlement decision.
The Workers' Compensation Division may approve lump-sum settlements that resolve all or part of a claim. Key considerations:
Because Wyoming's system involves the state fund rather than a private insurer, settlement dynamics differ from other states. The Division's interest is in fair resolution, not profit maximization. However, settlements are still significant legal decisions. Consult a Wyoming workers' compensation attorney before agreeing to any settlement to ensure your interests are fully protected.
Wyoming's economy is dominated by energy extraction and mining. Oil field workers, coal miners, trona miners, and natural gas workers face elevated injury risks and account for a significant portion of workers' compensation claims. The exclusive state fund ensures these high-risk employers can obtain affordable coverage. Common injuries include:
Wyoming covers occupational diseases that arise from employment conditions. Given the state's industrial base, common occupational diseases include silicosis, coal workers' pneumoconiosis (black lung), hearing loss from noise exposure, and respiratory conditions from chemical exposure. The statute of limitations is 1 year from last exposure or knowledge of the condition.
Wyoming has significant agricultural operations including cattle ranching, sheep herding, and crop farming. Small agricultural operations may be exempt from mandatory coverage, but larger operations must participate in the state fund. Agricultural injuries — from livestock handling, machinery operation, and outdoor exposure — are common in Wyoming.
Wyoming provides workers' compensation coverage for volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians through their sponsoring governmental entity. Benefits are calculated based on the state average weekly wage since volunteers have no employment wages from their volunteer service.
Wyoming provides extraterritorial coverage for employees temporarily working outside the state if they are normally employed in Wyoming. Conversely, employees of out-of-state employers working in Wyoming must be covered under Wyoming's system unless they have valid coverage from their home state that meets Wyoming's minimum requirements.
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