Governor DeWine asks BWC Board to approve $1 billion dividend for employers

Governor DeWine asks BWC Board to approve $1 billion dividend for employers.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has asked the BWC Board of Directors to approve a dividend
projected at $1 billion for Ohio businesses. If adopted, this dividend would bring the total
amount paid to private and public employers under Governor DeWine’s administration to $10.2
billion.
“Governor DeWine has requested another $1 billion be paid to Ohio business owners,” said
BWC Administrator Stephanie McCloud. “If this dividend is approved, BWC will have paid
employers more in dividends than employers have paid in premiums under this
administration.”
The total dividend payments would exceed the premiums employers have paid since 2019,
meaning the typical employer will have received more back in workers’ compensation
dividends than they have paid in premiums during Governor DeWine’s two terms in office.
If approved at the August Board meeting, this would be the fifth major dividend BWC has paid
to employers since 2019 totaling $10.2 billion.
Read the press release from Governor DeWine's Office.

Private Employer True-Up due August 31st
BWC determines employer premiums based on the amount of payroll (exposure) reported
multiplied by a specific rate. At the beginning of each policy period, BWC sets an estimated
annual premium (EAP). At the end of the policy year, BWC must reconcile the premium. To do
this, employers must file a true-up report that reflects their actual payroll for the preceding
policy year.
The true-up window for private employers opens July 1, and the deadline to file is August 31.
• If your actual payroll is higher than estimated, you will owe additional premium.
• If your actual payroll is lower, you will receive a premium credit.
To remain in good standing, employers must both submit the true-up report and pay any
outstanding premium by the deadline.

How to Complete Your True-Up
• Online at BWC’s website (the easiest and preferred option): www.bwc.ohio.gov
• By phone through BWC’s customer service line at 1-800-644-6292
If you have questions or need assistance, please contact your assigned BWC representative.

Join Us for August’s BWC Employer Update Webinar
Please join us for the August BWC Employer Update Webinar. This month, we'll discuss Other
States Coverage and working out of state, cost control strategies, annual employer true-up
report, important dates, and our monthly safety tip. The webinar will last about 25 minutes.
Click these links to register:
1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 11
11:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 27
Recordings from previous webinars can be found on our website.
Past Monthly Employer Update Webinar Recordings

Make Safety a Priority
The Office of Safety Services is offering new August training opportunities to help you
strengthen workplace safety. Choose from in-person BWC classes or flexible virtual sessions
and gain practical tools you can put to use right away — perfect for a safe and productive
summer season.
Explore August’s learning opportunities here:
Office of Safety Services August Learning Opportunities
For full details and registration, visit www.bwclearningcenter.com

Better You, Better Ohio!®: Your Free Path to a Healthier, Safer Workforce
At BWC, we believe healthy workers build a stronger Ohio—and Better You, Better Ohio!® is
here to make that easier. This free wellness program gives employees in small, high-risk
industries the tools they need to feel their best, stay safe, and thrive on the job.

Why join?
A healthier team means fewer injuries, faster recoveries, and lower workers’ compensation and
health-care costs. It’s a smart, simple way to boost workplace well-being and productivity.
Who’s eligible?
Workers at small employers (250 or fewer employees) in qualifying high-risk industries across
Ohio—from agriculture, automotive repair and service, construction, firefighters, health care,
manufacturing, police and public safety, public employers, restaurant and food service,
transportation and trucking, trash collection, wholesale and retail
What’s included?
• Free health education and training
• Health assessments and biometric screenings
• Easy online tools to set wellness goals and track progress
• A convenient mobile app for weekly action plans and tips
• Digital coaching to keep employees motivated
The best part?
Healthier workers help reduce costs—and they can even earn rewards just for taking steps to
improve their well-being.
Want to learn more?
BWC will be hosting a webinar in July to see how seamlessly the program can fit into your
workplace. Learn how to enroll, promote participation, and start seeing positive, measurable
results for both your employees and your organization.
Click this link to register
Better You, Better Ohio! Tuesday August 18, 2026 11:00 AM ET
The Better You, Better Ohio! ® program is administered by ActiveHealth.
ActiveHealth - Better You, Better Ohio!

Stay Informed: News and Events
Keep up with the latest announcements and important updates by visiting our News & Events
page. There, you’ll find a comprehensive calendar featuring key dates, program
announcements, enrollment deadlines, and upcoming activities.
Deadlines for both public and private employers are approaching quickly. Be sure you have the
information you need.

Use the link below to access the most recent updates.
News | Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (ohio.gov)