Mississippi . Workers' Comp . Updated April 2026

Mississippi requires Workers' Compensation for employers with 5 or more employees.

Mississippi mandates Workers' Compensation insurance for most employers once they reach five or more employees. Coverage begins immediately upon employment, with no minimum wage threshold. The system provides benefits for workplace injuries, with a maximum weekly benefit of $449.12 and a maximum duration of 450 weeks for disability.

Employee Threshold
5+ employees
Max Weekly Benefit
$449.12
Max Duration
450 weeks
Active

Mississippi Workers' Comp at 5+ employees

Ensures employees are covered for workplace injuries and illnesses through mandatory insurance, administered by the Mississippi Workers' Compensation Commission.

Mandatory compliance
High financial risk
Always running

What those rules do as a Mississippi shift is created.

Teambridge integrates Mississippi's Workers' Compensation requirements directly into your onboarding and ongoing compliance workflows. This ensures that as your team grows, your coverage remains compliant without manual intervention.

Block non-compliance at 5 employees

Teambridge monitors your active employee count in Mississippi. Once the 5-employee threshold is met, we automatically flag the need for Workers' Compensation coverage and guide you through the process, preventing lapses in compliance.

Ensure immediate coverage for new hires

Mississippi law states workers are covered "as soon as they start work." Teambridge ensures that new hires are immediately factored into your Workers' Compensation reporting and coverage, eliminating any gaps from their first day.

Alerts for benefit updates

The maximum weekly benefit and duration are subject to legislative changes. Teambridge monitors these updates and notifies you of any adjustments, ensuring your policies and reporting reflect the current statutory limits.

Stop worrying about Mississippi compliance.

Get a demo to see how Teambridge can handle all your state-specific labor law requirements, so you can focus on your business.

The rule, plainly stated

Mississippi requires Workers' Compensation insurance for employers with five or more employees.

The Mississippi Workers' Compensation Act, codified in Title 71 of the Mississippi Code, mandates that most employers provide Workers' Compensation insurance. This coverage protects employees who suffer injuries or illnesses arising out of and in the course of their employment. The threshold for mandatory coverage is generally five or more employees, with some specific exemptions.

Mississippi Code Title 71 — Mississippi Workers' Compensation Commission

Mississippi Code § 71-3-5. Employers and employees to whom chapter applicable.

The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all employers as defined herein and their employees, except that it shall not be applicable to:

(a) Any employer that has less than five (5) employees regularly in service.

(b) Domestic servants.

(c) Farm laborers.

(d) Employees of any nonprofit fraternal, religious, charitable or cultural organization.

(e) Independent contractors.

Coverage for employees begins immediately upon commencement of employment, and benefits are calculated based on the employee's average weekly wage, subject to statutory maximums.

Employee Threshold and Coverage Scope

The primary trigger for mandatory Workers' Compensation coverage in Mississippi is having five or more employees regularly in service. This count generally includes all full-time and part-time employees. Certain industries and employee types, such as domestic servants, farm laborers, and employees of specific nonprofit organizations, are explicitly excluded from mandatory coverage, regardless of the employee count. It is crucial for employers to accurately assess their employee count and classification to ensure compliance.

Benefit Structure and Limitations

For covered employees who sustain a work-related injury or illness, the Mississippi Workers' Compensation system provides for medical treatment, temporary disability benefits, permanent disability benefits, and death benefits. Temporary total disability benefits are typically two-thirds of the employee's average weekly wage, subject to a statutory maximum. As of the latest update, the maximum weekly benefit is $449.12. The maximum duration for which benefits can be paid is generally 450 weeks. There is no minimum wage threshold for coverage; an employee is covered as soon as they begin work, regardless of their earnings.

On autopilot

Teambridge handles Mississippi Workers' Comp so you don't have to.

Navigating Mississippi's Workers' Compensation requirements can be complex, especially with employee count thresholds and specific exclusions. Teambridge automates the monitoring and management of this compliance, ensuring your business is always covered and compliant.

01 . Threshold Monitoring

Automatic employee count tracking

Teambridge continuously monitors your active employee count in Mississippi. Once your workforce reaches the 5-employee threshold, our system automatically triggers alerts and initiates the necessary steps to secure or verify Workers' Compensation coverage, preventing non-compliance.

02 . Instant Coverage Verification

Ensure new hires are immediately covered

Mississippi law requires coverage from the first day of work. Teambridge integrates with your payroll and HR systems to ensure every new hire is instantly accounted for in your Workers' Compensation policy, eliminating any risk of uncovered employment periods.

03 . Statutory Limit Updates

Stay current with benefit maximums

The maximum weekly benefit ($449.12) and duration (450 weeks) are subject to change by the Mississippi legislature. Teambridge automatically tracks these statutory updates and ensures your internal records and reporting reflect the most current figures, minimizing manual review.

04 . Exemption Management

Identify and manage excluded employee types

For businesses with domestic servants, farm laborers, or employees of specific nonprofit organizations, Teambridge helps identify and correctly categorize these roles, ensuring they are appropriately handled under Mississippi's Workers' Compensation exemptions.

FAQ

People also ask.

What is the employee threshold for Workers' Compensation in Mississippi?

In Mississippi, most employers are required to carry Workers' Compensation insurance if they have five or more employees regularly in service. Some specific exemptions apply, such as for domestic servants, farm laborers, and employees of certain nonprofit organizations.

When does Workers' Compensation coverage begin for an employee in Mississippi?

Workers' Compensation coverage for an employee in Mississippi begins as soon as they start work. There is no waiting period or minimum wage threshold for coverage to apply.

What is the maximum weekly benefit for Workers' Compensation in Mississippi?

As of the latest statutory update, the maximum weekly benefit for temporary total disability in Mississippi is $449.12. This amount is subject to periodic adjustment by the Mississippi Legislature.

Are there any industries exempt from Mississippi Workers' Compensation?

Yes, several industries and employee types are exempt, even if an employer has five or more employees. These include domestic servants, farm laborers, and employees of nonprofit fraternal, religious, charitable, or cultural organizations. Independent contractors are also not covered.

What is the maximum duration for Workers' Compensation benefits in Mississippi?

For most disability claims, the maximum duration for Workers' Compensation benefits in Mississippi is 450 weeks. However, specific circumstances and types of benefits (e.g., medical care) may have different durations.

Does Mississippi have a state agency that oversees Workers' Compensation?

Yes, the Mississippi Workers' Compensation Commission (MWCC) is the state agency responsible for administering the Workers' Compensation law, resolving disputes, and ensuring compliance with the Act.