Procedure for Claiming Work Injury Compensation
- Reporting an Accident to Employer and MOM
- Filing of Work Injury Compensation Claim with MOM
- Waiting for Notice of Assessment by MOM
- Receipt of Notice of Assessment from MOM
Step 1: Reporting an Accident to Employer and MOM
The injured employee is required to inform his employer of the accident as soon as possible. The employer is required to report the accident to MOM and to notify his insurer(s), if any. In the event the employer fails to report the accident to MOM, the employee should so.
Step 2: Filing of Work Injury Compensation Claim with MOM
Employee who wishes to claim compensation under the Work Injury Compensation Act has up to one year from the date of the accident to submit a claim to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). He remains eligible to claim even if his employment or work pass has been terminated.
Application form for Work Injury Compensation
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Legal representation is not necessary for claiming Work Injury Compensation. Any party can approach MOM for advice on the claims procedure. MOM will deal with the relevant parties to process the claim.
However, if the claimant wishes to assess whether to claim compensation under the Work Injury Compensation Act or under common law, he may wish to seek legal advice.
Step 3: Waiting for Notice of Assessment by MOM
Employees who may have sustained permanent incapacity will be required to undergo a medical assessment to determine the extent of permanent incapacity and compensation payable. The employer is responsible for paying the medical report fees. Should the employer fail to do so, the employee should approach MOM for assistance.
While awaiting the stabilization of the injury, the employee should pro-actively follow up with the clinic/hospital for appointment dates and undergo the medical treatment and medical assessment. The employee should inform his employer and MOM immediately if he changes the clinic/hospital where he receives treatment.
The employee should not work if he is certified as medically unfit for work. If in doubt, advice should be sought from the treating doctor. An employee who is compelled to work even after was certified unfit to do so can approach MOM for assistance.
An employee who does not go through the medical assessment when required by MOM will have his claim suspended. If the failure extends beyond 3 months, compensation may no longer be payable.
Step 4: Receipt of Notice of Assessment from MOM
Upon receipt of the completed medical report form from the clinic/hospital, MOM will assess the compensation amount payable and issue a Notice of Assessment (NA) to the employee, employer and insurer (if any). The NA will indicate the amount of compensation awarded. In some cases, the doctor may award permanent incapacity of 0% i.e. no permanent incapacity sustained, hence no compensation for permanent incapacity will be awarded.
If no party objects to the Notice of Assessment (NA) within 14 days after the service of the NA, the employer/insurer is required to pay the compensation amount within 21 days after the service of the NA.
If there is any objection to the NA, MOM will hold Pre-Hearing Conferences or Labour Court Hearing to resolve the objections.
After all objections have been resolved, the Commissioner will order the compensation to be paid within 21 days from the date of order. Interest (at prescribed rates) may be imposed for late payment of compensation.
Employee can approach the Ministry for assistance if the employer or insurer fails to pay for the compensation amount awarded.
