Do Part-Time Employees Need Workers’ Comp?
Part-time employees often need workers’ compensation; reduced hours alone do not create an exemption.
New York includes part-time workers in its employee examples, and California says temporary or part-time workers may qualify for benefits. Other states set their own employee definitions and thresholds.
Ask the agency in each work state how it treats part-time, seasonal, and occasional staff. Report their payroll and duties to the insurer and check classification, minimum premium, and audit terms.
Coverage Guides Related to Workers’ Compensation Insurance
Sources for Workers’ Compensation Insurance Answers
- Small Business Insurance. National Association of Insurance Commissioners; Typically covers medical expenses, rehabilitation costs and lost wages; check with your state insurance department; ask these questions / who qualifies as a covered employee (contractors, part-time staff, interns); payroll and type-of-work rating factors. Accessed 2026-09-25.
- State Workers’ Compensation Officials. U.S. Department of Labor; State and territory workers’ compensation contacts. Accessed 2026-09-25.
- What business owners must know. New York State Workers’ Compensation Board; Who needs insurance, independent contractors, owners and exemptions. Accessed 2026-09-25.
- I was injured at work. California Department of Industrial Relations, Division of Workers’ Compensation; Work-related injury or illness benefits, reporting and part-time workers. Accessed 2026-09-25.