Last reviewed: 2 Aug 2026
If you have been injured at work in Singapore, the Work Injury Compensation Act is usually the first framework to consider. The questions below are the ones injured employees and employers ask most often.
What is the Work Injury Compensation Act and who does it cover?
WICA is the statutory compensation scheme for employees injured in the course of their work, and its coverage rules determine whether this route is open to you at all.
Can I claim under WICA and sue my employer in court at the same time?
No, and that is why the decision on which route to take is the single most consequential decision an injured employee makes, and it is where early advice matters most.
What can I claim for under WICA?
Compensation under WICA falls into defined categories, each with its own rules and limits.
How do I make a WICA claim after a workplace accident?
The process runs through incident reporting, medical assessment and the insurer, and missteps at the start commonly cause delay later.
What happens after the Notice of Assessment is issued?
The Notice of Assessment triggers a strict window in which each party must decide whether to accept or dispute it.
How long do I have to file a WICA claim?
Time limits under WICA are unforgiving, and the safest course is to treat them as immediate.
What if my employer or the insurer disputes my claim?
Disputes over liability, the extent of incapacity or the assessment itself follow a defined objection and hearing process.
Do I need a lawyer for a WICA claim?
Many straightforward claims resolve without one, but disputed liability, serious injury, or the choice between WICA and a court action are situations where advice tends to pay for itself.
For employers: Called in by MOM?
An interactive checklist for employers contacted by the Ministry of Manpower, including steps after a workplace accident. General information only, not legal advice.
Open the checklist