DWD/OWCH Merger

Dec. 2025

DWD/OWCH Merger

OWCH is re-combining w/ DWD.  While this is effective 01/01/26, OWCH has moved.  All OWCH functions will return to DWD.

Here is the link for the DWD Insurance Letter on the update:  WC Insurance Letter 548.

The leadership positions

–Administrator of the WC Division:  John Dipko
–Director of the Bureau of Legal Services:  Jim O’Malley
–Director of the Office of Legal Initiatives:  Hamdy Ezalarab
–Attorney Supervisor of the Madison Office:  Cathy Lake
–Attorney Supervisor of the Milwaukee Office:  Samuel Weinberg

Significant changes that are currently being planned, but could obviously change

–To stop issuing ALJ assignment letters.
–To limit the number of prehearings.
–Both of these would be returning to DWD practices from before the split.

Other updates

–There is one hearing room at the old GEF building near the capitol.  Parking will be an issue, as the closest garage is 2+ blocks, with an uphill walk.  On a recent trip there, the sidewalks were not fully cleared.  There did not appear to be any handicap parking closer to the building, which could impact some applicants.

–The main number listed on the OWCH letterhead (608-266-7709) is now giving the message to call DWD (608-266-1340).

–The main OWCH fax number and OWCH general email box listed on letterhead are still receiving external communications, but it is unknown for how long that will be.  The best practice would be to use the Portal or Litigated Fax (608-260-3053).

–ALJ phone numbers will stay the same.

–ALJ emails will be updated to reflect the change.