Difficulty paying your workers' comp premiums? L&I can help

L&I can work with financially distressed businesses impacted by the economy, natural disasters, pandemic, or other serious problems.

You may be eligible for the Employer Assistance Program if your business has not paid its most recent quarterly workers' compensation premiums during hard times.

Who qualifies for the Employer Assistance Program?

Any business that has been financially distressed by one of these serious problems may qualify for the Employer Assistance Program and arrange a payment plan for their workers' compensation premiums.

Businesses may request to defer their payment for up to 90 days or ask for a 90-day payment plan. Either way, the delayed payments will be penalty- and interest-free.

How does the Employer Assistance Program work?

L&I waives late penalties and interest if qualifying businesses pay their premiums within 90 days of the due date. Penalties and interest may be applied for longer payment periods.

In some cases, you may renegotiate the payment plan if your business goes deeper into financial distress.

How do I take advantage of the Employer Assistance Program?

  1. File your quarterly report as soon as possible, and pay what you can at the time you file.
  2. Contact the Collections Education & Outreach group at Collections@Lni.wa.gov or 1-800-301-1826. Include your L&I account ID in your request. L&I asks employers to call in advance if they know they will not be able to make a quarterly premium payment.
  3. Request, in writing by mail or email, to be enrolled in the program. Send email to Collections@Lni.wa.gov or mail to:

    Employer Assistance Program
    PO Box 44171
    Olympia WA
    98504-4171
  4. Even if you are currently enrolled in the program, you must make a new request to defer payment for the current quarter.

If you have questions or need additional assistance, contact: