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New Jersey Workers' Compensation Requirements
Required from your 1st employee
✓ Verified 2026-09-08 Source: NJ Department of Labor - Division of WC ↗
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At a glance
1st
employee threshold (general)
1
construction threshold
Private market
buy from any carrier
NJ Department of Labor - Division of WC
official source (verified 2026-09-08)
The details
ALL employers (NJ DOL official): coverage or approved self-insurance; no employee-count exception.
FAQ
Do I need workers' compensation in New Jersey?
Yes — New Jersey requires coverage as soon as you hire your first employee (full-time or part-time).
What about construction businesses in New Jersey?
Construction businesses follow the same 1 threshold. See details below for industry nuances.
What if I don't carry required coverage in New Jersey?
Penalties vary by state and can include per-employee per-day fines, stop-work orders, and personal liability for injury claims. Check the official source below for New Jersey's current enforcement posture.
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Official source: NJ Department of Labor - Division of WC · Verified 2026-09-08 (official) · Compare all states · Construction rules · Farm rules