Texas comp paperwork runs through TDI-DWC — with an 8-day employer report rule and unique non-subscriber requirements. Here’s the official map.

Official Texas resources

• TDI Division of Workers’ Compensation — the state agency
• Verify an employer’s coverage — TDI’s coverage information page
• DWC forms — the numeric forms index
• TXCOMP — DWC’s online claim system

Key employer forms

The employer’s key form is DWC Form-001, Employer’s First Report of Injury or Illness — filed within 8 days of an employee missing more than one day of work (immediately for occupational disease or death). Injured employees file DWC Form-041 with the Division within one year. Non-subscribers have their own filings: notice to TDI and injury reporting for employers with five or more employees.

What to do when an employee is injured

1. Get the employee medical care — network rules apply if you’re in a certified healthcare network
2. Notify your carrier the same day
3. File DWC Form-001 within 8 days of the employee missing more than one day of work
4. Give the employee the required notice of injured employee rights
5. Track the claim in TXCOMP and keep wage records ready for benefit calculations

Deadlines that matter

Employees must report injuries within 30 days of the injury or of knowing it was work-related, and file DWC Form-041 with the Division within one year. Employers file DWC Form-001 within 8 days when more than one day of work is lost.

For rate context, see Texas workers’ comp rates, or start with our full Texas coverage guide. Need proof of coverage for a contract? We issue same-day certificates.

Texas forms FAQs

What is DWC Form-001 in Texas?

The Employer’s First Report of Injury or Illness — filed with the carrier/DWC within 8 days of an employee missing more than one day of work due to a work injury, or immediately for occupational disease or death.

Is workers’ comp required in Texas?

No — Texas is the only state where coverage is optional for most private employers, but non-subscribers lose key legal defenses, face injury-reporting duties of their own, and are often excluded from contracts. Most Texas employers who can qualify choose coverage.

How long does a Texas worker have to file a claim?

Report to the employer within 30 days; file DWC Form-041 with the Division within one year of the injury or of learning the condition was work-related.