By law, the employer is responsible for the cost of workers’ compensation benefits. Most employers buy workers’ compensation insurance, and the insurance company pays the benefits on the employer’s behalf. No part of the workers’ compensation insurance premium or benefit can be charged to the employee. Other employers obtain the state’s approval to self-insure, which means that the employer will be responsible for paying its own claims. To identify the party responsible for paying benefits, an employee may check the employer’s workplace notice, check the Commission’s website, or contact the Commission at inscompquestions.wcc@illinois.gov or toll-free at (866) 352-3033.