The City of Seattle does not participate in the State of Washington’s employee insurance program. Like many public and private employers, the City of Seattle is self-insured, meaning the city is responsible for covering the costs of on-the-job injuries and related health problems. The city’s self-insurance program is regulated by the Washington Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). Even though the city is self-insured, you have the same rights and responsibilities as other workers in Washington State.

There are two noteworthy advantages to the City of Seattle being self-insured: first, the cost of our workers’ compensation coverage is lower than that of similar coverage managed by the state. Second, our claims are handled locally (instead of by a team in Olympia), which has been helpful. Most of our members find that their claims are quickly approved, without the friction that can sometimes occur when dealing with a remote bureaucracy. In the sections that follow, you’ll find more about the claims process, how to manage your claims, and how to advocate for yourself.