01/10/2026
California workers' compensation provides medical care, wage replacement, and other benefits for employees injured or made ill by their job, a system California law requires all employers with at least one employee to have, funded by the employer to help workers recover and return to work, with the Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC) overseeing claims and disputes. To claim, report the injury to your employer immediately (within 30 days to avoid losing rights) and complete the employee section of the DWC-1 claim form.
For Injured Workers
Report Immediately: Tell your supervisor or management as soon as possible, especially for gradual injuries, to avoid claim delays.
Get the Form: Your employer must provide you with a DWC-1 claim form; fill out your part, sign, date, and return it to them, keeping a copy for yourself.
Medical Care: Your employer's insurer pays for reasonably required medical treatment, which may involve a Medical Provider Network (MPN); if it's an emergency, you must get immediate care.
Key Benefits:
Medical Treatment: For work-related injuries/illnesses.
Temporary Disability (TD): Wage replacement if you can't work.
Permanent Disability (PD): Payments if you don't fully recover.
Supplemental Job Displacement Vouchers: For retraining if you can't return to your old job.
Death Benefits: For dependents if the injury is fatal.