Workers’ Compensation Protection When Your Employer is Uninsured
What is an Uninsured Employers Benefits Trust Fund (UEBTF)?
Not every employer in California follows the law — but that doesn’t mean you’re left without protection. If you were injured on the job and discovered that your employer doesn’t carry workers’ compensation insurance, you may still be eligible for full benefits through the Uninsured Employers Benefits Trust Fund (UEBTF).
This state-administered fund steps in to pay medical treatment, wage loss, and permanent disability benefits when an employer fails to secure insurance coverage as required by law. Levitz Legal Group helps injured workers file, prove eligibility, and collect these benefits efficiently — even in the most complex uninsured cases.
Learn more about the general claims process in our
Workers’ Compensation Overview page.
What is the Uninsured Employers Benefits Trust Fund (UEBTF)?
The UEBTF is part of California’s Division of Workers’ Compensation. It ensures that employees who are hurt while working for uninsured employers still have access to the same protections and benefits as other injured workers.
When a claim is accepted, the state pays your benefits directly and then seeks reimbursement from the employer. This prevents innocent employees from suffering financial hardship due to their employer’s failure to comply with insurance laws.
Who Qualifies for UEBTF Benefits?
You may qualify for UEBTF benefits if:
- You were injured or became ill due to your job in California.
- Your employer did not carry valid workers’ compensation insurance at the time of the injury.
- You can prove a valid employment relationship and work-related injury.
- You have filed an Application for Adjudication of Claim with the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB).
If the employer’s lack of coverage is confirmed, the UEBTF can provide compensation for:
- Medical treatment costs.
- Temporary disability benefits (lost wages while recovering).
- Permanent disability payments for lasting injuries.
- Supplemental job displacement benefits, if you can’t return to your prior job.
Because the process is highly documentation-driven, most applicants need legal assistance to navigate the filings and ensure timely approval.
How to File a UEBTF Claim
Filing a UEBTF claim involves multiple forms and proof submissions. Levitz Legal Group manages every step, including:
- Preparing and filing the Application for Adjudication of Claim with the WCAB.
- Collecting employment and wage evidence to confirm eligibility.
- Filing a UEBTF Joinder Petition, which formally brings the Fund into your case.
- Coordinating with state investigators to verify the employer’s uninsured status.
- Handling all hearings and correspondence until benefits are approved and paid
We also monitor all insurer and administrative deadlines using
AI-based tracking tools to prevent processing errors or missed filings.
What Benefits Are Available Through the UEBTF?
If accepted, UEBTF benefits mirror standard workers’ compensation benefits — including:
- Full medical care for injury-related treatment.
- Wage replacement payments while you recover.
- Permanent disability compensation if your injury results in lasting impairment.
- Death benefits for surviving family members, in fatal injury cases.
These benefits are paid by the state, not the employer, ensuring that your recovery is not jeopardized by your employer’s noncompliance.
Why Choose Levitz Legal Group for UEBTF Cases
- Experience that matters: Over 40 years of workers’ compensation advocacy in Northern California.
- Comprehensive support: From initial filing to benefit recovery, we manage the entire case in-house.
- Technology advantage: AI-assisted systems detect missed filings, errors, or deadlines that could slow your case.
- Personal representation: Every client communicates directly with an attorney — never a chatbot or call center.
Frequently Asked Questions About UEBTF Claims
What if I don’t know whether my employer has insurance?
You can check through the Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) or contact our office — we can verify coverage and help you take the right next steps.
Do I have to sue my employer?
Not directly. The UEBTF steps in to pay your benefits, then pursues reimbursement from your employer later. We handle the legal process so you don’t have to confront your employer personally.
How long does it take to receive UEBTF benefits?
Processing times vary, but claims typically take several months because of the verification process. Our team ensures all filings are complete and accurate to reduce unnecessary delays.
What if my claim is denied or delayed?
You still have appeal rights, and penalties may apply for unreasonable delay. Learn more about your options in our Denied Claims & Benefits Delays section.
Do I need an attorney for a UEBTF claim?
Yes. These cases involve complex filings and investigations. Levitz Legal Group ensures every document and deadline is handled correctly, maximizing your chances of a successful outcome.
Get Help if Your Employer is Uninsured
If your employer didn’t carry workers’ comp insurance, you still have rights. Levitz Legal Group can help you file for UEBTF benefits, appeal denials, and recover every dollar you’re owed under California law.
We represent injured workers throughout
Novato, Marin County, San Francisco, Oakland, and the greater Bay Area, ensuring full access to compensation — even when an employer fails to provide it.