Injured at work? Work Injury Compensation (WICA)

Worker Resources · Your rights · Checked against official MOM sources, July 2026

If you are injured at work, do this first

1. Get medical treatment straight away — even if the injury feels small. Some injuries (back, joints, head knocks) get worse over the following days, so it is best to have a doctor check you as soon as possible.
2. Tell your employer or supervisor about the accident as soon as you can, ideally on the same day. Explain what happened, when, and where. Reporting quickly protects your ability to claim later.
3. Keep the original Medical Certificate (MC) and original medical bills. Give the originals to your employer (they need these to pay you and to claim from their insurer) and keep photocopies for yourself.
4. Write down what happened while it's fresh — date, time, location, how it happened — and note any witnesses. Photos of the scene or injury can help too.

You do not need to fill in complicated forms yourself. Once your employer reports the accident, your claim starts being processed automatically by MOM and the insurer.

You do not have to prove it was anyone's fault

The Work Injury Compensation Act (WICA) is a no-fault system. Unlike suing someone in court, you do not need to prove that your employer or anyone else did something wrong or was negligent. You only need to show that the accident happened because of your work — what MOM calls an accident "arising out of and in the course of employment."

This generally covers accidents while carrying out your job duties, injuries while travelling for work, some journeys using transport arranged by your employer, and in certain situations even a heart attack, stroke, or an injury from a work-related fight where you were the victim or acted in self-defence.

It does not normally cover ordinary commuting in your own transport or public transport, personal detours during work travel, or injuries caused by intoxication, drug use, or something self-inflicted. If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies, ask MOM directly rather than assuming — see the official list of eligible claims below.

What your employer and their insurer must do

• Report the accident to MOM — generally within 10 days of the accident (or within 10 days of when they were first told about it). For a death or a very serious accident, they must also inform MOM as soon as possible.
• Inform their insurer promptly so the claim can be processed.
• Pay your medical leave wages by your next payday once they receive your original MC — they should not make you wait for the insurer to pay them first.
• Reimburse your original medical bills within 14 days if you already paid for treatment yourself.
• Not block your claim even if your Work Permit is later cancelled or you stop working for them — you can still claim within 1 year of the accident date.

Employers who fail to report a workplace accident can be fined by MOM. Reporting is a legal duty, not something your employer can choose to skip.

How MOM oversees your claim: the process and timelines

1. The accident happens — you get treatment and report it to your employer.
2. Your employer reports the accident to MOM (within 10 days) and tells their insurer.
3. MOM or the insurer contacts you with a case reference number and, where needed, a claims form to complete.
4. If your injury needs it, a doctor assesses the degree of any permanent incapacity once your condition has stabilised.
5. MOM or the insurer issues a Notice of Assessment (NOA) or Notice of Computation (NOC) stating the compensation payable.
6. You and your employer/insurer each have 14 days from that notice to file a formal objection, if either side disagrees. This deadline is strict.
7. If nobody objects within 14 days, the amount becomes final and must be paid within 21 days.

Overall, you (or your employer) should not delay — while you generally have up to 1 year from the date of the accident to have a claim filed, reporting to your employer immediately is what protects you, since some steps and deadlines run from when the accident happened or was first reported. You can check the status of an ongoing claim online with your Singpass.

Can I stay in Singapore while my claim is being sorted out?

If you have an outstanding WICA claim, MOM can issue you a Special Pass so you can remain in Singapore lawfully even if your Work Permit would otherwise expire or be cancelled, until your claim is settled. Your employer applies for this with you at an MOM Services Centre. Repatriation (being sent home) is expected to happen only after your claim has been settled — not while it is still open.

What compensation can cover

Depending on your injury, a WICA claim can cover:

• Medical expenses — hospital bills, medicine, physiotherapy, TCM and emergency transport, up to a cap set by MOM (currently $53,000, or 1 year from the accident date, whichever comes first, for accidents from 1 November 2025).
• Medical leave wages — based on your average monthly earnings while you are on MC.
• Lump-sum compensation for permanent incapacity or death, calculated using your age and average earnings, subject to minimum and maximum amounts MOM sets by law.

These figures change from time to time — always check MOM's official page for the exact, current amount that applies to your case rather than relying on any other source, including this one.

If your employer does not report the accident, or refuses to help

You do not need your employer's permission to contact MOM. If your employer refuses to report the accident, refuses to let you see a doctor, or refuses to pay your medical leave wages or bills, contact MOM directly, or call the Migrant Workers' Centre helpline for free help in your language.

Common questions

Do I need a lawyer to make a WICA claim?

No. A WICA claim is handled through MOM and your employer's insurer, without going to court. If your case is disputed or complicated, the Migrant Workers' Law Centre at MWC offers free legal help to migrant workers.

What if I disagree with the compensation amount MOM decides?

You (or your employer/insurer) can file a formal objection within 14 days of the Notice of Assessment or Notice of Computation. This 14-day deadline is strict, so act quickly and ask MOM or MWC for help if you are unsure.

Can my employer charge me a fee or deduct my salary for handling this claim?

No. Reporting the accident, paying your medical leave wages, and cooperating with MOM and the insurer are your employer's legal obligations. These are not services they can charge you for.

What if my Work Permit is about to expire or gets cancelled while my claim is open?

You may be eligible for a Special Pass so you can stay in Singapore lawfully until your claim is settled. Ask MOM or your employer about this as soon as possible.