December 29, 2025 | SIBTF.org – California maintains two critical safety-net programs designed to protect injured workers when standard workers’ compensation coverage is unavailable or incomplete: the Uninsured Employers Benefits Trust Fund (UEBTF) and the Subsequent Injuries Benefits Trust Fund (SIBTF).
Together, these special funds ensure that workers are not left without benefits due to illegal lack of insurance or the presence of a preexisting disability that worsens the impact of a workplace injury.
What Is the Uninsured Employers Benefits Trust Fund (UEBTF)?
The Uninsured Employers Benefits Trust Fund pays workers’ compensation benefits when an employer illegally fails to carry required insurance and does not pay benefits ordered by the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB).
UEBTF acts as a payer of last resort, stepping in only after specific legal steps are completed. Benefits may include medical treatment, temporary disability, permanent disability, and death benefits—once a valid WCAB award is issued.
Importantly, workers must first file an Application for Adjudication of Claim before requesting payment from the UEBTF. The fund itself does not require a separate application, but procedural compliance is critical.
Filing a Claim When an Employer Is Uninsured
Filing a workers’ compensation claim involving an uninsured employer is often complex and highly technical. Injured workers are strongly encouraged to seek guidance from an Information and Assistance Officer at a local Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) district office.
These officers can help injured workers understand jurisdictional requirements, documentation standards, and post-award procedures required to secure UEBTF benefits.
How the Subsequent Injuries Benefits Trust Fund (SIBTF) Works
The Subsequent Injuries Benefits Trust Fund provides additional compensation to workers who already had a disability or impairment at the time of a new workplace injury.
To qualify, the combined effect of the prior disability and the new injury must result in a permanent disability rating of at least 70 percent. SIBTF exists to encourage employers to hire workers with disabilities without fear of increased liability for conditions that predate employment.
Once benefits are awarded by the WCAB, Subsequent Injuries Benefits Trust Fund benefit payments are issued directly to injured workers through the SIBTF Claims Unit.
Why These Funds Matter for Injured Workers
UEBTF and SIBTF play a crucial role in California’s workers’ compensation system by closing coverage gaps that would otherwise leave injured workers without meaningful financial support.
Whether an employer ignored insurance requirements or a worker’s disability history complicates benefit calculations, these funds provide lawful pathways to compensation.
Official Oversight and Public Resources
Both funds operate under the authority of California’s Division of Workers’ Compensation, part of the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR). The agency also publishes reports, guides, and directories to assist injured workers and practitioners.
For official guidance, reports, and contact information, readers may visit the official website here.
Subscribe to SIBTF.org for updates on trust fund policies, claims procedures, and regulatory developments affecting injured workers statewide.
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FAQs: About UEBTF and SIBTF
What qualifies an injured worker for UEBTF benefits?
UEBTF benefits apply when an employer is illegally uninsured and fails to pay workers’ compensation benefits ordered by the WCAB.
Is there a separate application for UEBTF benefits?
No. An Application for Adjudication of Claim must be filed first, followed by compliance with post-award procedures.
Who qualifies for SIBTF benefits?
Workers with a preexisting disability whose combined impairments result in at least 70 percent permanent disability may qualify.
When are SIBTF payments issued?
Payments are issued after the WCAB awards benefits and are administered by the SIBTF Claims Unit.