Is a civil union recognized in worker's compensation benefits?

In Washington, a civil union is not currently recognized when it comes to worker’s compensation benefits. This means that should a person in a civil union become injured while working, they won’t be able to access any additional benefits due to their marital status. The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries administers worker’s compensation benefits and, as of 2021, it does not provide any additional benefits for couples in civil unions. Civil unions are not accepted as a family relationship for the purpose of unemployment benefits either. The lack of recognition for civil unions when it comes to worker’s compensation benefits is a result of the state not having laws that permit same-sex couples to marry. Without same-sex marriage being legal, the state is unable to extend worker’s compensation benefits to those in civil unions. Therefore, unless the laws surrounding civil unions in Washington change, couples in a civil union will not be able to access any additional worker’s compensation benefits due to their marital status. While the availability of worker’s compensation benefits may vary from state to state, those living in Washington cannot receive any additional benefits due to their civil union.

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Is a civil union recognized in worker's compensation benefits?

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