Where to get the DWC-1 form
Your employer should provide the claim form after learning about a work injury. California DWC also publishes it on its official forms page. Use the current form and instructions from DWC.
Completing the employee section
Follow the instructions for the employee section. The employer completes a separate section. Read the notice included with the form and ask for help with any questions you do not understand.
Returning the form is different from telling a supervisor about an injury. The state’s employee FAQs explain how giving the completed form to the employer opens the workers’ compensation case.
Copies to keep
- Keep a copy of the form you completed.
- Note the date you gave or sent it to your employer and the method you used.
- Keep any receipt or delivery confirmation you receive.
- Save the completed copy returned by your employer.
- Keep later claim letters with the form.
After you submit the form
Your employer or claims administrator may send you notices about your claim. Save them with your claim number and contact details. Submitting the form does not mean your claim has been accepted.
Getting help
Use the state forms page and contact DWC Information & Assistance for help understanding the process. If you have a dispute or a question about your rights, consider speaking with a qualified workers’ compensation attorney. Nometi helps organize your paperwork; it does not file a claim with your employer for you.