12 Jan 2026 What to Know About Workers’ Comp In Case Something Goes Wrong

Workers’ comp when hiring a housecleaner is one of those details people don’t think about — until they need it. Most homeowners assume that if someone gets hurt during a cleaning, the company will handle it professionally and fairly — and when you hire a properly insured business, that’s usually true.

But not every cleaning arrangement includes workers’ compensation insurance. You often don’t discover that until something unexpected happens.

That’s why it’s worth understanding how workers’ comp works before you hire. It helps you avoid confusion later and gives you peace of mind about what happens if an injury occurs.

This article isn’t meant to scare anyone. It explains what workers’ compensation does, why it matters, and what questions you should feel comfortable asking.

(Note: This is general information, not legal advice. Requirements vary by state.)

Workers’ compensation insurance covers medical care and lost wages if a worker gets injured on the job. It protects cleaning workers — and it also helps homeowners by creating a clear system for handling workplace injuries.

 Workers’ Compensation When Hiring a Housecleaner: What It Means in Simple Terms

Workers’ compensation insurance provides benefits when someone gets injured while doing their job.

It typically covers:

• medical expenses
• lost wages
• rehabilitation or recovery time

It also creates a formal process for handling workplace injuries so they don’t turn into personal or financial disputes.

Cleaning is physical work. It often involves:

• ladders and step stools
• wet surfaces
• lifting and repetitive motion
• carrying equipment
• exposure to irritants

Even careful, experienced people can get hurt.

Why Homeowners Don’t Usually Think About It (Until They Have To)

Most people assume the cleaning company’s insurance will handle an injury that happens during a cleaning. When you hire a professional service that carries workers’ compensation insurance, that’s usually the case.

But informal arrangements don’t always include coverage. For example, a cleaner paid directly or “off the books” may not carry workers’ comp at all. In those situations, things can get unclear quickly.

That’s when homeowners often ask:
“Wait… what happens now?”

What Can Happen Without Workers’ Compensation When Hiring a Housecleaner

This isn’t about worst-case scenarios. It’s about realistic situations that can happen to anyone.

If a cleaner is injured and there’s no workers’ compensation coverage, the cleaner may:

• pay out of pocket
• rely on personal health insurance
• seek reimbursement directly
• file a claim involving the homeowner’s insurance
• or, in some cases, pursue legal action to cover medical costs

Even when everyone has good intentions, injuries cost real money — and expenses can create tension.

That’s why workers’ compensation exists: to protect workers from bearing those costs alone and to keep the process clear and professional.

Why Workers’ Comp Helps Protect Homeowners Too

Homeowners often assume workers’ comp is only about protecting the worker.

But it also helps protect homeowners because it:

• establishes a clear system for handling injuries
• reduces uncertainty about who pays for what
• lowers the chance that a workplace injury becomes a personal dispute
• helps prevent injury-related costs from turning into a complicated liability situation

It doesn’t eliminate all risk in every circumstance, but it makes the process clearer and much less stressful if something happens.

A Key Detail Many People Miss: When the Homeowner Is the Employer

Here’s the part that surprises many homeowners:

In some states, if you directly employ a house cleaner (rather than hiring a licensed company), you may have legal obligations as a household employer — including workers’ compensation coverage depending on hours worked and the arrangement.

This varies by state, but it’s one reason professional companies put so much emphasis on insurance and worker protections. The structure matters.

What You Should Ask Before Hiring a Cleaning Service

You don’t need to interrogate anyone — but if you’re thinking about workers’ comp when hiring a housecleaner, you should feel comfortable asking these simple questions:

• Do you carry workers’ compensation insurance?
• Are your cleaners employees or independent contractors?
• Do you also carry general liability insurance?
• What happens if someone is injured while cleaning in my home?

A professional company should answer clearly and without defensiveness.

The Bottom Line

Workers’ compensation isn’t a “nice-to-have.” It’s one of the protections that makes a cleaning service professional — and it matters for both the worker and the homeowner.

Most people don’t think about it until something goes wrong. But asking about coverage when hiring a housecleaner isn’t being difficult.

It’s being a responsible homeowner — and choosing a company that takes responsibility seriously.

That’s why workers’ compensation when hiring a housecleaner matters, even if you never expect to need it.

And if nothing ever goes wrong? Great. That’s the point.

Q: Is workers’ compensation required for housecleaners?
A: It depends on the state and the work arrangement. Requirements can vary based on hours worked, whether the cleaner is an employee, and whether the homeowner is considered the employer. That’s why it’s smart to ask a cleaning company directly — and check local guidelines if you’re hiring independently.

Q: Is workers’ compensation required for housecleaners in New York or Connecticut?
A: It depends on how the cleaner is hired and how many hours they work.

• New York: New York generally requires workers’ comp when a domestic worker you employ works 40+ hours per week.
• Connecticut: Connecticut typically requires household employees to carry workers’ comp when a domestic worker works 26+ hours per week.

Requirements vary, so it’s always worth confirming what applies to your situation.

Q: What if workers’ comp isn’t required, but someone gets hurt anyway?
A: Even if workers’ comp isn’t legally required in your situation, an injury can still create medical expenses and questions about who pays. Without a clear coverage system, homeowners and cleaners may need to rely on personal insurance, homeowner insurance, or informal repayment arrangements. That’s why coverage can matter even when it’s not technically required.

Q: if i hire a professional cleaning company, do I need to worry about workers’ compensation?
A: As long as the company carries workers’ compensation coverage and the cleaners are covered under that policy, you should have confidence.

One important detail: some companies classify cleaners as 1099 independent contractors instead of employees. In that case, the company may not carry workers’ comp for them. That doesn’t automatically mean there’s a problem — but it does mean you should ask how injuries are handled and what coverage is in place.

Q: What proof should I ask for?
A: Ask for a certificate of insurance showing workers’ comp coverage. A reputable company should be able to provide it without hesitation.