SingaporeHow long does a WICA claim take?
A WICA claim in Singapore typically takes up to 14 days for the employer to report the injury, and the Ministry of Manpower aims to resolve claims within 30 working days after receiving all required documents.
What the Law Says
The Work Injury Compensation Act 2019 sets clear timeframes for reporting injuries and processing compensation claims. While the Act does not specify an exact adjudication timeline, it mandates prompt employer action and empowers MOM to administer claims efficiently.
Under the Work Injury Compensation Act 2019, employers must notify the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) of any workplace injury requiring medical leave or resulting in death within 14 days of the incident or diagnosis.
Workers must file their claim within 6 months from the date of the accident or onset of occupational disease — otherwise, the claim may be time-barred unless MOM grants an extension for good cause.
Medical certificates used to support claims must be issued within 7 days of the worker’s first medical consultation for the injury or illness.
While the Act does not prescribe a statutory deadline for MOM’s final decision, MOM’s public service standards aim to resolve straightforward WICA claims within 30 working days after receiving complete documentation.
Statutory Text—
— Work Injury Compensation Act 2019, s. 24 — Reporting of accidents and diseases
What to Do
Report the injury to your employer immediately — they must notify MOM within 14 days.
Obtain a valid medical certificate within 7 days of your first medical visit.
File your WICA claim online via MOM’s portal as soon as possible — ideally within 6 months of the accident.
Submit all supporting documents (e.g., medical reports, payslips, employer’s incident report) promptly to avoid delays.
Follow up with MOM if you haven’t received an outcome within 30 working days of full submission.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.