The Workers' Compensation Program processes claims and monitors the payment of benefits to injured private-sector employees in the District of Columbia. The office mediates disputes between claimants and employers (or their insurance carriers), and monitors employers to ensure compliance with insurance coverage requirements. The program also administers the special/second injury fund, which provides benefits in cases of uninsured employers or in instances where an injury combines with a pre-existing disability to cause a substantially greater disability. The Workers' Comp office also approves lump-sum settlements, assesses penalties and fines for non-compliance with the law, and monitors vocational rehabilitation.