Workers' compensation -- Worker identification (WID) number
Frequently asked questions
The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry's Safety and Workers' Compensation Division announces a new worker identification -- or WID -- number that may be used instead of a Social Security number to identify claims.
The WID number is person-specific: a unique two- to eight-character number is automatically generated within the Safety and Workers' Compensation Division computer system when a claim-creating document is received (such as a claim petition where a First Report of Injury form has not been filed).
The WID number may be used rather than the Social Security number, with the date of injury, to identify a specific case file.
Modified workers' compensation forms that allow for the WID or Social Security number to be used became available online in June 2008. At that time, correspondence from the Department of Labor and Industry also began including both the WID and Social Security numbers.
1. How will the WID number be communicated?
Click to view the answerThe Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) will be including the WID number and the SSN on any correspondence coming from the department for both existing and new cases.
Parties to a claim wanting to use the WID number on claim-related documents instead of the SSN, can either wait to see the WID number on a document generated by the division or request the WID number in writing. A person who does not have authorized access to the division file must file a properly executed authorization form with the division to obtain the WID number.
If you are filing a document with the Safety and Workers' Compensation Division and don't have the WID number for a particular case, continue to use the SSN -- both types of numbers are currently acceptable.
2. Can I get the WID number versions of forms in Word format?
Click to view the answerThe Safety and Workers' Compensation Division released new PDF versions of its forms online in June 2008. Groupings of the revised forms in Word format are also available upon request; they will be sent via email.
The division understands there will be a delay before all users are able to revise the forms in the various systems that are used. Typically, it is expected all users will convert to the latest revision within six months.
3. Is use of the WID number mandatory? If not, will it be in the near future?
Click to view the answerThe WID number is optional for now and will be for some time. The department began using both the WID number and the SSN on all outgoing correspondence in June 2008.
4. Will the WID number be used only on new claims or will numbers be assigned to current cases as well?
Click to view the answerThe division has WID numbers for all cases that have been set up in its imaging system; therefore, WID numbers are available for current and older cases.
5. Are there any other changes on the forms, in addition to the WID number?
Click to view the answerNew versions of the forms also include a revised Tennessen warning (if applicable) and new P.O. box addresses for various types of workers' compensation mail.
6. When I access the FROI form from the DLI website, it still shows the 443 Lafayette Road N. address. Shouldn't this form be sent to a P.O. box?
Click to view the answerYou may have an older version of the FROI form stored on your local computer. Try removing your Internet browser's temporary files (cache). In Internet Explorer 7.0, go to "Tools," "Internet Options," "General," "Temporary Internet files" and click on "Delete Files ..."
7. When will the FROI form be changed to add a WID number to the SSN field?
Click to view the answerThe FROI form still requires the SSN because this is usually the first document the department receives and the SSN is the only unique identifier DLI has to set up the claim. All other forms will require either the SSN or the WID number.
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