A workers' comp claim generates a steady stream of paper — forms, notices, medical reports, and payment records. Keeping it organized in one place makes everything else easier. This is a general checklist of what's worth holding onto; your claim may involve more or fewer of these.
Claim and benefit paperwork
- Your completed DWC-1 claim form
- Benefit notices and letters from the claims administrator
- Any award, settlement, or decision documents
Medical records
- Your doctor's reports, including progress reports (PR-2)
- Work restrictions and off-work notes
- Referrals, test results, and treatment authorizations or denials
Wage and payment records
- Pay stubs or wage statements (used to figure your average weekly wage)
- A record of every workers' comp payment you receive
- Mileage logs for medical travel
Communication records
Keep copies of letters and emails, plus a log of phone calls with the claims administrator, your doctor's office, and anyone else involved in the claim.
The short version — keep these in one file:
- The DWC-1 and all official notices
- Medical reports, restrictions, and PR-2 progress reports
- Wage statements and every payment record
- Your communication log
- Anything you sign or receive about the claim
Primary sources
Official California resources — go to these for the authoritative details:
Keep it all in one place.
WorkAid gives you a private, living claim file to track payments, dates, documents, treatment, and communication — all in one place, under your control.
This guide is general information about the California workers' compensation process, not legal or medical advice. Individual claims vary. WorkAid is not a law firm, is not a medical provider, and does not represent you. For decisions about your claim, rely on your own official notices and, where needed, a qualified professional.