The Work Injury Compensation Act (WICA) is critical legislation in Singapore that provides employees with compensation and remedies against work-related injuries and damages.

The plaintiff can file their claims to the Ministry of Manpower (MoM). The Act ensures victims can redeem their allowances efficiently and affordably.

Make claims

Any employee holding an active contract of service is allowed to make claims under the Act.

The provisions are inclusive of both manual and non-manual labour (earning less than $2,100).

However, the benefits do not extend to freelancers, domestic labourers and uniformed personnel of the Singapore Military Forces.

The victim is eligible to file a claim if they satisfy specific criterion –

• The accident occurred in a foreign location where the employee was instated.
• The accident took place in a non-public transport taken on account of the employer.
• Contraction of occupational illness (as in, diseases arising from the nature of work).
• Contraction of diseases from hazardous material while on duty.

The procedure for making claims under WICA depends on whether the incapacity caused by accident is long-term or temporary.

Filing a case for brief inactivity is simple, and the steps involved are –

1. Receive medical attention immediately after the injury and notify your employees. Otherwise, your claims could be disregarded as non-work related.
2. It is advisable to file a report with the MoM. In the case of hospitalization, your employee must convey the information to the department of your behalf.
3. Obtain a medical certificate for your employee so that they can reimburse the bill.
4. Forward the original copy to your employee and keep a photocopied record for yourself. Employees can either pay the hospital or clinic directly or reimburse the fees to you.
5. Ensure that MoM is aware of any disputes between you and your employee over the claims and reimbursements.

The process to make claims under WICA for permanent injuries are –

Step 1.

Report the employees regarding your accident, as they are liable to pay for the medical expense incurred.

Step 2.

Employees need to forward information to the MoM so that you receive an application form to make claims.

Step 3.

You have the option to make a claim under WICA or choose to forego the provision.

In case you decide to apply, MoM processes your requests, and you are reimbursed within a year.

Step 4.

For MoM to approve your application, you must undergo a thorough medical examination to evaluate the extent of the injury.

Ensure that you do not miss appointments and seek suitable treatment.

Employees often prefer medical assessment at their associated hospitals.

Step 5.

Once the evaluation is complete, you receive a Notice of Assessment (NoA) that states the compensation amount to you, your employer, and the insurance company.

21 days

If the amount is reasonable, employees must forward the compensation within 21 days after the NoA.