Labor Dept Extends Dock Workers' Compensation Form Drudgery
Published Date: 12/11/2025
Notice
Summary
The Department of Labor wants to keep collecting info from employers, workers, and lawyers involved in Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation cases—without changing the forms. This helps make sure paperwork stays simple and clear, saving time and money for everyone. If you have thoughts, speak up by February 9, 2026!
Analyzed Economic Effects
8 provisions identified: 7 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Commutation Requests Must Use Form LS-6
Employers and carriers that ask OWCP to commute future periodic payments must file Form LS-6 (Commutation). The notice explains OWCP may commute payments to certain nonresident beneficiaries and may require payment equal to one-half of the commuted amount under 33 U.S.C. 909(g) and related regulations.
Settlement Applications Use Form LS-8; 30-Day Review
Parties submitting a settlement application under section 8(i) must use Form LS-8, and once submitted the District Director or Administrative Law Judge must determine adequacy and issue an approval order within 30 days if the settlement is adequate. The form outlines settlement terms and required information for that timely review.
Continuation of LS-4 through LS-9 Forms
The Department of Labor proposes to extend, without change, the approved information collection that uses Forms LS-4, LS-5, LS-6, LS-7, LS-8, and LS-9 for Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation processes. This means employers, insurance carriers, attorneys, and injured workers will continue to use these same forms under OMB Control Number 1240-0058.
Paperwork Burden Estimate Remains Small
DOL estimates 50,046 total respondents will provide 50,046 annual responses, with an average time of 15 minutes per response and a total estimated annual burden of 12,512 hours. The agency reports the total estimated annual other cost burden is $0.
Attorney Fee Requests Must Use Form LS-4
Attorneys requesting approval of fees for work on Longshore Act claims must file Form LS-4 (Attorney Fee Approval Request) to obtain a District Director's approval. Using Form LS-4 is intended to speed processing and payment of attorney fee requests.
Special Fund Relief Requests Use Form LS-5
Employers or insurance carriers seeking section 8(f) Special Fund relief must submit Form LS-5 (Application for Special Fund Relief). DOL says Form LS-5 reflects the application requirements in 20 CFR 702.321 and helps identify and timely respond to section 8(f) requests.
Request for Intervention Uses Form LS-7
Parties seeking informal dispute resolution or an informal conference under the Longshore Act must use Form LS-7 (Request for Intervention) to initiate that process. The form establishes the disputed issues and helps the District Director decide whether intervention is appropriate.
Stipulation Approvals Must Use Form LS-9
When parties reach joint stipulations, they must use Form LS-9 (Stipulation Approval Request) and attach the signed stipulation for the District Director to approve. OWCP will prioritize handling of LS-9 forms to facilitate prompt issuance of compensation orders.
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