Does My church need workers comp insurance?

Question

My wife and I own a church. We aren't paid per se. We live in the building owned by the church. I got a letter from the Nebraska workers comp court saying that we needed insurance unless we owned 50% of the corporation Or maybe if we were on the board.

Answer 1

You can't "own" a real church.  You can WORK for a church.  If the Nebraska WC court says you need it - you need it.  If you have 50% or more ownership of the corporation, AND you have NO church employees, you can see if you can exempt yourself as an executive officer.  

Unsalaried board members typically aren't covered under WC anyway.

If you think you don't need it, because of "seperation of church and state", think again.  Just because you are a church, you can't "opt out" of state laws.  Which is why certain religions aren't allowed to perform ritual human sacrifice, in the US.

Answer 2

Do you have paid employees? Is all the work done by volunteers?  When you hire a plumber or an electrician they are usually covered by their own WC.  What does the state of Nebraska require and what do other churches do in your same situation?

Good Luck/ God Bless CWW

Answer 3

You need WC insurance if you have any employees.

Answer 4

i dont understand why you would need workers comp insurance...i would call them and let them know the deal..sounds kinda odd to be honest