Workers' Compensation

DIAL’s Workers’ Compensation Division (WCD) administers the workers' compensation system. It serves as the neutral body for resolving workers’ comp disputes. The WCD cannot:

  • Give legal advice to parties
  • Represent a party
  • Refer a party to an attorney

WCD ensures all parties get a fair hearing regardless of whether the party has representation by an attorney. Legal advice or representation is recommended for parties  to a workers’ comp case. Visit the resources page for help finding an attorney or legal advice.

WCD does not pay workers’ comp or unemployment insurance benefits.

Notice of Petition for Declaratory Order

The City of Des Moines petitioner the Iowa Workers' Compensation Commissioner for a declaratory order regarding the applicability of global settlements. 

On July 20, 2026, the Commissioner issued notice of the petition for declaratory ruling providing the deadline and method by which an interested party may file a motion to intervene.

Read Order

Wces landing page

eFile on WCES

Individuals can eFile documents, track the status of filings, review filings by other parties,  and receive documents and notifications from WCD.

Access the WCES database