Work Injury Compensation in Singapore — WICA Claim Process 2026

Plain-English Summary

If you are injured at work in Singapore, the Work Injury Compensation Act (WICA) is the main law that helps you get compensation without having to sue your employer. Under WICA, you can claim for medical expenses, lost income, and lump sum payments for permanent injuries or death — as long as your accident happened during work and was not your own serious misconduct. The process is designed to be simpler and faster than going to court. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make a WICA claim in 2026.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making a WICA Claim

Step 1: Report the Accident Immediately

As soon as you are injured, tell your employer or supervisor. Under WICA, your employer must report the accident to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) within 10 days if it results in medical leave of 4 days or more, or if it causes death. You should also seek medical treatment right away and inform the doctor that it is a work injury.

Keep copies of all medical certificates (MCs), receipts, and any other documents related to your injury.

Step 2: Get a Medical Assessment

Your doctor will issue an MC and may refer you to a designated WICA medical specialist for a permanent impairment assessment. This assessment determines if your injury has left you with a permanent disability (for example, loss of function in a limb). The assessment is crucial because it affects the amount of compensation you may receive.

You do not need to pay for this assessment — MOM will reimburse the costs if you are eligible.

Step 3: Employer Files a WICA Claim (or You Can File Yourself)

Your employer is required to submit a WICA claim to MOM within 10 days of the accident. If your employer fails to do so, you can file the claim yourself using the WICA e-Service on the MOM website (mom.gov.sg). You will need your personal details, employer details, accident description, and medical reports.

If you are unsure, you can also contact the Work Injury Compensation Assistance Office (WICAO) at MOM for guidance.

Step 4: MOM Assesses the Claim

MOM will review your claim. They will check if the accident is work-related and if you are eligible under WICA. In most cases, MOM will issue a Compensation Order that sets out the amount your employer must pay you. This order covers:

• Medical expenses: Up to a cap (currently $45,000, but check MOM for updates).
• Medical leave wages: Up to 1 year of your average monthly earnings (AME) while you are on MC.
• Permanent impairment compensation: A lump sum based on the degree of impairment (e.g., loss of a finger, partial loss of vision).
• Death compensation: If the injury results in death, dependents can claim a lump sum (currently up to $225,000).

The amount is calculated using a formula based on your age and average earnings. MOM provides an online calculator on their website.

Step 5: Employer Pays or You Dispute

Once MOM issues the Compensation Order, your employer must pay you within 21 days. If your employer disputes the order, they can appeal to the Work Injury Compensation Appeals Board. If you disagree with the amount, you can also appeal. But in most cases, MOM’s decision is final and binding.

If your employer refuses to pay, you can seek enforcement through the State Courts (sgcourts.gov.sg).

Step 6: Seek Legal Advice if Needed

Most WICA claims are handled without lawyers. However, if your case is complex (e.g., serious permanent injury, employer disputes liability, or you are considering a lawsuit instead), you should consult a lawyer. The Law Society of Singapore (lawsociety.org.sg) can help you find a lawyer specialising in personal injury. You can also contact the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) at case.org.sg for free advice on workplace injury claims.

Important Points to Know About WICA

• No need to prove fault: Unlike a lawsuit, you do not need to prove your employer was negligent. As long as the accident happened during work, you are generally covered.
• Exclusions: WICA does not cover self-employed persons (unless they opt in), or injuries caused by your own intoxication (drugs or alcohol) or deliberate self-harm.
• Time limits: You must file a claim within 1 year of the accident (or death). If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to compensation.
• Employer’s responsibility: Your employer must have WICA insurance. If they do not, MOM can take enforcement action against them.

FAQ

1. Can I claim WICA if I am a foreign worker in Singapore?

Yes, WICA applies equally to all employees in Singapore, including foreign workers holding Work Permits, S Passes, or Employment Passes. Your employer must have WICA insurance for you. If you are injured, you have the same rights to medical expenses, lost wages, and permanent impairment compensation as a Singaporean employee.

2. What if my employer refuses to report the accident?

If your employer does not report the accident to MOM within 10 days, you can file the claim yourself using the WICA e-Service on the MOM website. You should also report your employer to MOM for failing to comply with the law. MOM may take action, including fines. Do not wait — act quickly because the 1-year time limit applies.

3. How much compensation can I get for a permanent injury?

The amount depends on your age and the degree of permanent impairment. MOM uses a formula: for example, for a 35-year-old worker with 10% permanent impairment of a hand, the compensation might be around $20,000 to $30,000. You can use MOM’s online WICA calculator to get an estimate. For serious injuries like total loss of a limb, compensation can be higher. Always get a medical assessment first.

4. Can I sue my employer instead of claiming under WICA?

In most cases, you cannot sue your employer if you are covered by WICA. WICA is a no-fault system, meaning you give up the right to sue in exchange for faster, simpler compensation. However, if your injury was caused by a third party (e.g., a supplier’s faulty equipment), you may be able to sue that third party. Talk to a lawyer for specific advice.

5. What happens if my employer does not have WICA insurance?

This is illegal. Your employer must have WICA insurance under the WICA Act. If they do not, you can still claim compensation through MOM. MOM will assess your claim and order your employer to pay. If your employer cannot pay, you may need to take the matter to the State Courts. You should also report the employer to MOM for non-compliance, as they may face fines or prosecution.