You can check the workers’ compensation claim status in California by contacting the coverage provider, reaching out to the Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC), or reviewing your case online through the Electronic Adjudication Management System (EAMS). If needed, consult a workers’ comp lawyer for further guidance.
Once your DWC-1 injury claim form is filed, California Labor Code §5402 ensures you have the right to receive updates throughout the process. These updates include whether your compensation request is accepted, denied, delayed, or still under review, and if it has moved into adjudication. If updates stop, payments are delayed, or responses from the claims coverage provider become unclear, these may indicate more than just delays-they could signal noncompliance with California workers’ compensation law.
To understand how to check workers’ compensation claim status in California, there are official steps you can take to find answers and keep your employee injury compensation case moving forward.
Key Takeaways
- You can check your workers’ compensation claim status by contacting the insurance company, DWC, or using EAMS.
- Have your claim number, ADJ number, injury date, and insurance details ready when checking your claim status.
- Use the EAMS Public Search Tool to track adjudicated claims and view hearing dates, judge assignments, and case status.
- The claims administrator must notify you within 14 days of your claim’s acceptance, denial, or investigation status.
- Consult a workers’ compensation attorney if your claim faces delays or missed payments for legal support and guidance.
- Contact the DWC Information & Assistance Unit for help if you’re not receiving updates or facing claim delays.
4 Verified Methods to Check Your Workers’ Comp Claim Status in California
After filing a workers’ compensation claim in California, you have the right to track its progress. Whether your case is pending, accepted, delayed, or moving toward a hearing, there are reliable ways to check its current status.
Below are four verified methods that apply under California law.
1. Contact Your Employer's Insurance Company or Claims Administrator
The most direct way to check your claim status is by contacting the insurance company handling your case. Their contact information is usually listed on your DWC-1 form or in letters you received after the injury was reported.
Before you reach out, make sure to have:
- Your claim number
- The date you were injured
- Any correspondence from the insurer
An adjuster should be able to tell you whether your claim has been accepted, denied, delayed, or is still under review. If you’re not getting clear answers, continue with the next method.
2. Call a California DWC Information & Assistance Officer
If the insurance company is not responding or you’re unsure whether your claim was filed correctly, you can speak with a DWC Information & Assistance (I&A) Officer. These state employees help injured workers, not insurers, and can verify your claim status.
They can:
- Confirm that your claim was properly filed.
- Check if the insurer officially reported the injury.
- Explain your options if the adjuster isn’t responding.
You can call the statewide helpline at or visit a local DWC district office in cities like Sacramento, Oakland, Stockton, or Roseville.
3. Use the EAMS Public Search Tool (Electronic Adjudication Management System)
If your claim has been escalated to the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB), you can track it online using the Electronic Adjudication Management System (EAMS). This is California’s public case search tool for adjudicated claims.
To check your case:
- Go to the EAMS Public Search Tool.
- Enter your Adjudication Unit (ADJ) number, case details, or personal identifiers (like claim number or claimant last name).
- View your hearing dates, judge assignments, and case location.
EAMS will only display results for cases that have been formally filed with the WCAB. If your case hasn’t moved past the insurance company, it won’t appear in the system.
4. Get Help From a California Workers’ Compensation Attorney to Track the Claim
If weeks pass and you’re not receiving updates or your benefits are delayed with no explanation, it may be time to consider legal support. A workers’ compensation attorney can review the full history of your case, monitor deadlines, and help ensure your rights are enforced.
An experienced attorney may:
- Track communication with the insurer and claims adjuster.
- Review filings submitted to the WCAB or DWC.
- Push for penalties when deadlines are missed.
Assist in requesting hearings or medical evaluations. - Help pursue benefits such as Supplemental Job Displacement Benefits (SJDB) if applicable.
Not every delay requires immediate legal action, but when deadlines are missed or your benefits are disrupted, legal support can make a critical difference.
When Can You Start Tracking Your Claim Status in California?
You can begin tracking your workers’ compensation claim status as soon as your employer files the DWC-1 form and the insurance company assigns a claim number. That number confirms your case is active in the system and triggers key legal timelines under California workers’ compensation law.
Here are the three key legal deadlines that matter most:
- Within 14 days of filing, the claims administrator must notify you in writing whether your claim is accepted, denied, or under investigation.
Within 90 days, the insurance company must issue a final decision. If no denial is issued within that window, your claim is presumed accepted under Labor Code §5402.
Any time after filing, you have the right to request updates and check the status of your claim through any official channel.
What Information Is Required to Check Your Workers' Comp Status?
To check your workers’ comp claim status in California, you’ll need to provide key details so your case can be located in the system.
Have the following information ready:
- Your full name, as listed on the claim
- Your claim number or ADJ number
- The date of your injury
- Your employer’s name
- The name of the insurance company
If you haven’t received a claim number or ADJ number yet, contact the insurance company or the Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC). In most cases, this means your claim hasn’t been properly entered into the system, or the insurer hasn’t formally reported it.
How to Understand Workers’ Comp Claim Status Terminology?
Your claim status tells you what stage your case is in and what to expect next. Understanding these terms helps you track your benefits, identify delays, and know when to take legal action.
Here’s what each claim status means and what you should do in response:
| Claim Status | What It Means | What You Should Do |
|---|---|---|
| Accepted | The insurance company has approved your claim. | Track all payments and treatment approvals. Keep copies of notices and deposit records. |
| Denied | Your claim was rejected in writing. | Review the denial letter. You may need to file an appeal or Application for Adjudication. |
| Delayed / Pending | The insurer is still investigating and has not issued a final decision. | Follow up regularly. If no decision is made within 90 days, the claim is presumed accepted by law. |
| Under Review | The insurer has acknowledged the claim but hasn’t made a determination yet. | Contact your claims adjuster or a DWC officer to confirm what’s missing and when a decision is due. |
| Adjudicated / WCAB | The claim has been moved to the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB). | Use your ADJ number to check EAMS for hearing dates and case updates. |
| Closed | The claim has been settled, denied, or otherwise resolved. | Confirm whether all benefits were paid. If your conditions worsen, you may be able to reopen the claim. |
What Happens After You Receive a Claim Decision?
Once the insurance company accepts, denies, or delays your claim, your role shifts from waiting to monitoring. Every notice you receive after the decision provides important information about your benefits, rights, or next steps.
Here’s what to look for and track:
Review Every Notice Carefully
These documents outline your claim’s progress and the benefits you’re entitled to:
- Notice of Acceptance: Confirms that your claim is approved. Lists covered benefits and estimated payment timelines.
Notice of Denial: Explains why your claim was rejected and outlines appeal rights.
- Notice of Delay: Indicates that the insurer needs more time to investigate. The 90-day clock continues to run.
Track Your Benefit Payments
Once benefits begin, make sure you’re receiving accurate, on-time payments. Most temporary disability (lost wage) payments are issued every two weeks. Watch for:
- Payment letters that list amounts, issue dates, and duration.
- Medical treatment authorizations or delays.
- Any gaps between expected payment dates.
Keep a written log and save bank statements or EOBs (Explanation of Benefits) from your insurance company.
Follow Up If the Process Stalls
If you haven’t received a written decision within 90 days, your claim may be presumed accepted under California Labor Code §5402. In that case, or if payments stop without notice:
- Contact the claims administrator.
- Call a DWC Information & Assistance Officer.
- Consider speaking with a workers’ compensation attorney to protect your rights.
What If You Can’t Find Any Update on Your Workers’ Comp Claim?
If you’re not getting updates about your workers’ compensation claim, such as delayed notices, missing claim numbers, or no response from the insurance adjuster, you have the right to take further action under California law.
Here are the steps to follow when communication stops:
- Call the DWC Information & Assistance Officer: Contact the DWC to confirm whether your claim was officially filed and whether a claim number exists. If it hasn’t been filed, the insurer may be out of compliance.
- Review Delay or Denial Letters: These documents usually include your claim number, the adjuster’s contact information, and instructions for what to do next. Missing or vague notices may violate your rights.
- Send a Certified Mail Request to the Insurance Company: Include your full name, date of injury, and a copy of your DWC-1 claim form. Request a written update on your claim status. Keep proof of delivery.
- Seek Legal Support if Deadlines Are Missed: If there’s still no response, a workers’ compensation attorney can step in to check your claim status, contact the WCAB, and take legal action if the insurer failed to comply with the 14-day notice rule under Labor Code §5402.
What Can You Do If You Disagree With the Status of Your Claim?
If your claim decision feels incorrect, incomplete, or unfair, you have legal options to challenge the outcome. Whether it was denied, delayed beyond the legal deadline, or closed prematurely, California workers’ compensation law allows you to take formal steps to protect your rights.
Submit an Application for Adjudication of Claim (Denied/Delayed)
If your claim was denied, delayed, or hasn’t moved forward within the time required by law, your next step is to file an Application for Adjudication of Claim using WCAB Form WCAB-1.
- Submit the form to your local DWC District Office (based on your county).
- File within one year of your injury date under Labor Code §5405.
- Once filed, your case receives an ADJ number, which allows you to track it through the EAMS case search system.
This process formally places your claim into the state’s legal review system.
Request a Hearing Before a Workers’ Compensation Judge (WCJ)
If your case remains unresolved after adjudication, the next step is to file a Declaration of Readiness to Proceed. This formally requests a hearing before a Workers’ Compensation Judge.
Once filed, your case will be scheduled for a Mandatory Settlement Conference (MSC). At the MSC, you’ll have the opportunity to:
- Present evidence
- Testify under oath
- Address unresolved issues, such as delayed payments, denied treatment, or disputes over disability benefits
If no agreement is reached during the conference, the judge will set a trial date to move the case forward.
Wage and Hour Claims for Misclassified Workers
Misclassified workers may also have valid wage and hour claims under California law.
Common violations include:
- Lack of overtime pay
- Missed meal and rest breaks
- Pay below minimum wage
- Unreimbursed business expenses
These claims can lead to penalties, back pay, and compensation often exceeding what workers’ comp alone would cover.
Use Medical Evidence or QME Reports for Disputes
If your claim was denied for medical reasons, you can request a second opinion from a state-certified evaluator:
- A Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) is selected from a state panel.
- An Agreed Medical Evaluator (AME) is used if both parties agree on a single doctor.
These doctors issue written reports that carry legal weight and may support your claim for benefits, treatment, or time off work.
Reopen or Appeal a Previously Closed or Settled Claim
If your injury worsens after the case has been closed, you may file a Petition to Reopen. This must be done within five years of the original injury date.
If you disagree with a judge’s ruling, such as a denial of benefits or a disputed disability rating, you can file a Petition for Reconsideration. This type of appeal must be submitted within 20 days of the judge’s decision.
Can You Track Denied or Appealed Workers’ Comp Claims in California?
Yes, you can track denied or appealed workers’ compensation claims in California using the EAMS case search system. Once a claim is denied or moves into appeal, it becomes part of the formal legal process and is recorded through the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB).
At that point, updates no longer come from the insurance company. Instead, you’ll find hearing dates, judge assignments, and case status in the public record.
To track your claim:
- Locate your ADJ number (found in your WCAB confirmation or legal mail).
- Use the EAMS Public Search Tool to check case updates.
How to Track Workers’ Comp Payments After Claim Approval?
Once your workers’ compensation claim is approved, you’ll need to track your benefit payments to ensure they’re issued correctly and on time. Payment schedules aren’t sent automatically, and delays or missing checks are not uncommon, especially without regular follow-up.
Contact Claims Administrator or Employer for Payment Schedule
The claims administrator is responsible for managing payment timelines. This includes workers’ comp benefits such as:
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD): Payments made while you’re completely unable to work due to the injury or are temporarily totally disabled.
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): Compensation for lasting impairments or permanent partial disabilities that affect your ability to work or function normally.
- Supplemental Job Displacement Benefits(SJDB): A voucher to help pay for retraining or skill development if you can’t return to your old job.
To verify payment schedules, contact the claims adjuster listed in your acceptance letter. If your employer handles claims directly, you may also reach out to their HR department for payment-related information.
Escalate a Delayed or Missing Workers’ Comp Payment in California
If payments are delayed, inconsistent, or missing entirely, you have the right to take further steps:
- Contact the DWC Information & Assistance Unit to verify whether payments were processed.
- Send a formal payment demand to the claims administrator.
- Consult a workers’ compensation attorney to file for penalties, request a hearing, or petition the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB).
When unjustified delays occur, California law may impose automatic penalties on the insurance company.
Official Platforms to Check California Workers’ Comp Claim Status
Several official systems and tools are available to help you check the status of your workers’ compensation claim in California. Each platform serves a specific role in the claim process:
- EAMS Public Search Tool: Use this state-run system to track adjudicated claims filed with the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB). You can check hearing dates, judge assignments, and case status using your ADJ number.
- DWC Information & Assistance Unit: Contact this unit to verify whether your claim was officially filed, check if an insurer responded, or ask questions about delays. It’s a key resource for injured workers navigating the process.
- WCAB District Office Locator: Use this tool to file legal documents, request hearings, submit appeals, or follow the progress of your case once it enters adjudication.
- State Compensation Insurance Fund (SCIF) Portal: If your employer is insured through SCIF, you can check claim updates, payment status, and communication logs directly through the SCIF portal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Claim Status in California
Are workers’ comp claims public record in California?
Yes. Workers’ comp claims in California are partially public if filed with the WCAB. The case record, hearing dates, and decisions are public, but medical records, financial details, and personal health information are confidential by law.
How do I find my workers' comp claim number?
To find your workers’ comp claim number, check your Notice of Acknowledgment, delay letter, or acceptance letter from the claims administrator. If you haven’t received one, contact the insurer or DWC to verify that your claim was filed.
Can I check my California workers’ compensation claim status without a claim number?
Yes, but with limits. To check your workers’ compensation claim status without a claim number, call the DWC and provide your full name, date of injury, and employer. The EAMS system requires an ADJ number or SSN and the date of injury.
What should I do while I wait for the workers' comp claim decision?
While waiting for a claim decision, keep copies of all documents, follow up with your claims administrator, and contact the DWC if no response comes within 14 days. Consider legal support before the 90-day deadline for a final decision.
How do I know who my claims administrator is?
To know who your claims administrator is, check the DWC-1 form returned to you or your employer’s claim acknowledgment letter. If it’s missing, ask your employer’s HR department or the insurer directly for the claims administrator’s contact.
What does “claim under review” mean in California?
A “claim under review” in California means the insurance company is still evaluating the claim. It falls within the 90-day period under Labor Code §5402. During this time, you may qualify for up to $10,000 in medical coverage.
How can I confirm if payments are being processed?
To confirm if your workers’ comp payments are being processed, contact your claims adjuster and request a payment schedule. Look for a Notice of Benefit Payments and review your bank records for biweekly deposits or delays.
Moving Forward After Checking Your Workers’ Comp Case
Whether your claim is pending, accepted, delayed, or denied, what happens next depends on how closely you follow up. Keep detailed records of every notice, letter, email, or payment received. If something feels off or stops without explanation, act promptly; delays are harder to fix the longer they go unaddressed.
For questions or concerns, you can contact the Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) for help tracking your claim and understanding the next steps.
If your claim is delayed or denied, don’t wait. Contact the Law Offices of Roy Yang for a free consultation with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney
