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Workers' compensation insurance: Philadelphia restaurant guide

PA Department of Labor & Industry

What it is

Mandatory employer-paid coverage for employees.

When a restaurant needs it

As soon as you have one or more employees, part- or full-time (including family members).

How to apply

Buy a policy from a private carrier/broker or the State Workers' Insurance Fund (SWIF).

Documents you’ll need

Payroll estimate
Entity info
Certificate of insurance

Fee

Insurance premium — no government fee

Processing time

Days (through your carrier)

Renewal

Annual policy

Who files

Your insurance broker or carrier issues the policy.

Good to know

Contractors you hire must also carry workers' comp; L&I requires proof on file for licensed contractors.

Official source

PA L&I — Purchasing workers' compensation insurance

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Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.