SingaporeWhat is the maximum WICA compensation amount?
The maximum WICA compensation amount for death or permanent incapacity is S$195,000, as set by the Work Injury Compensation Act.
What the Law Says
The Work Injury Compensation Act (WICA) sets statutory caps on compensation payable to employees injured at work or their dependants in case of death. These limits depend on the nature and duration of incapacity.
For death or total permanent incapacity, the maximum lump-sum compensation is S$195,000. This amount is calculated based on the employee’s average monthly earnings, subject to a statutory cap on the daily wage used in the calculation.
Compensation for temporary incapacity is limited to 26 weeks of weekly payments, each based on 75% of the employee’s average daily wage — capped at S$400 per day.
The Act also specifies that no compensation is payable if the incapacity lasts less than 3 days, unless it results in death or permanent incapacity.
A claim must be made within 3 years from the date of the accident or onset of occupational disease.
Statutory Textthe amount of compensation payable… shall not exceed $195,000
— Work Injury Compensation Act, s. 12(1) — Compensation for death or permanent incapacity
Statutory Textaverage daily wage… shall not exceed $400
— Work Injury Compensation Act, s. 2(1) — Definition of average daily wage
Statutory Textcompensation for temporary incapacity… shall not exceed 26 weeks
— Work Injury Compensation Act, s. 11(2) — Duration of temporary incapacity payments
Statutory Textno compensation shall be payable… if the period of incapacity is less than 3 days
— Work Injury Compensation Act, s. 11(4) — Minimum incapacity period
What to Do
Notify your employer of the workplace injury within 24 hours.
Seek medical attention and obtain a medical certificate documenting incapacity.
File a WICA claim with the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) within 3 years of the accident.
Ensure your employer submits the required WICA report (Form WIC1) to MOM within 10 days of being notified.
If compensation is disputed, apply for adjudication through MOM’s Work Injury Compensation Division.
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.