Filing a workers’ comp claim in Illinois.
Administered by the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission. Primary form: Form IC45 — Application for Adjustment of Claim.
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Open Notice of Claim wizardIllinois State Board
- Agency
- Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission
- Primary claim form
- Form IC45 — Application for Adjustment of Claim
- Official website
- https://www2.illinois.gov/iwcc/
Deadlines at a glance
45 days from date of injury (notify employer)
Report to your employer first. Put it in writing — email, text, or signed letter. Missing this window can reduce or eliminate benefits.
3 years from date of injury or 2 years from last benefit (whichever is later)
File Form IC45 — Application for Adjustment of Claim with the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission before this window closes.
3 days, retroactive after 14 days
Medical benefits typically begin immediately. The waiting period applies to wage-replacement (TTD/TPD) benefits only.
Illinois-specific notes
820 ILCS 305. One of the longer filing windows in the country.
Federal programs that may apply
The Illinois program covers most private-sector workers. Three federal programs run in parallel for specific worker categories:
- FECA — Federal Employees’ Compensation Act. Covers civilian federal employees. Filed through the US DOL, Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs.
- LHWCA — Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. Covers maritime workers (longshoremen, shipbuilders, harbor workers) on navigable US waters.
- Jones Act — 46 U.S.C. § 30104. Covers seamen injured in the course of employment. Provides a negligence cause of action and maintenance and cure rights outside the state WC system.
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