I.      Policy Purpose

This policy guides Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) staff on the appropriate handling of employer complaints requesting premium relief.

II.    Applicability

This policy applies to Employer Services staff, employers, and their authorized representatives.

III.   Definitions

There are no policy-specific definitions.

IV.  Policy

A.    Description and background.

1.    An employer or the employer’s authorized representative may submit a complaint to BWC requesting premium relief.

2.    Employer requests for premium relief are usually the result of another issue, such as: rejection from a BWC program, penalties due for failure to true-up, or the result of audit findings. These examples are not all-inclusive.

3.    If a situation occurs as described in section IV.A.2 above, the employer or the employer’s authorized representative must file a complaint concerning the specific issue causing the premium from which relief is being sought.

B.    Extenuating circumstances do not apply.

1.    There are no extenuating circumstances to consider when premium relief is the only reason for the employer’s complaint.

2.    BWC does not grant premium relief to an employer who is still in operation. The employer may request a different premium installment schedule. In cases of extreme financial hardship, the employer may request a partial payment plan. However, BWC will not approve a partial payment plan for the current policy year premium.

3.    In cases where the employer is out of business and the account has been certified to the Attorney General, the employer may petition the Attorney General for settlement of the liability. However, the employer must truly be out of business. The employer cannot be operating under a new policy number or new corporation.