Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Benefits: How to Apply

Important: We updated this article in February 2023 to make sure all content below is both current and correct. State law outlines who receives Connecticut workers’ compensation benefits and how the process works. If you were injured or got sick on the job, you should focus on feeling better — not feeling anxious about the claims process.

We’ve gathered the information you need to get the benefits you deserve.

Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Eligibility

The Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Commission requires all employers from North Canaan to New London to carry workers comp coverage. Federal employees use a different process.

Important: Coverage starts your first day at work, whether you’re full-time or part-time.

Learn more about how to qualify for workers’ comp benefits.

How to File Your Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Claim

Important: Seek treatment immediately if you require either emergency or urgent care. Tell the doctor your injury or illness is work-related.

Every workers’ comp case is different, so your experience may vary. Most Connecticut workers’ compensation applications work like this:

1. Inform your supervisor about your injury immediately after your accident. If you seek non-emergency medical treatment first, then you might lose your right to workers’ compensation.
2. See an employer-designated doctor for initial treatment. State law requires employer-provided medical care for your initial treatment. Ask your supervisor for a list of approved providers, if applicable. After that, you may choose your own doctor.
3. Get Form 30C, Notice of Claim for Compensation, from your employer to start your claim. Complete and file it. Important: You have one year from your injury date to apply for Connecticut workers’ compensation. For an occupational illness, you have three years after symptoms appear.
4. Make sure your employer files a Form DAS WC-207, First Report of Injury, with their insurance carrier. Important: Your employer then has 24 hours to notify their insurer. 
5. Wait for a decision. Your employer’s insurer has 28 days to either approve or deny your claim. If approved for lost wages, then your first payment arrives within two weeks. Important: If 28 days pass without notice on your claim, then state law says your employer must accept responsibility. Your right to workers’ compensation is automatic on day 29 with no response.
6. Take action if your claim’s denied. Informal hearings are your only appeal option. If you cannot resolve your dispute with the insurer, file a Hearing Request Form. Important: You have 15 days to dispute the decision.

For more information, check out the information packets on the Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Commission’s website.

Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Statistics

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the total number of recordable workers’ comp claims in the Constitution State dropped dramatically from 46,500 in 2017 to 39,800 in 2021. Part of the decline was a reduction in the number of claims reported by employees in the service-providing industry from 31,000 in 2017 to 26,900 in 2021. The number of employees who missed work, transferred jobs or received restrictions remained relatively unchanged from 2017 (27,000) through 2021 (26,900).

Learn more about workers’ compensation benefits.

You May Qualify for Legal Assistance

When you’re dealing with a work-related illness or injury, navigating the workers’ compensation system can add insult to injury or illness. And you may feel you weren’t compensated fairly since your employer chooses the doctor who diagnoses your illness or injury.

Consider working with an experienced workers’ comp attorney for free, confidential claim assistance. These specialists typically work on a contingency basis, which means you aren’t charged a fee unless you win a cash settlement. You pay a reasonable, one-time fee only if your case is successful.

Want free claim help without leaving your home? Click the button below to sign up for a free phone call during regular business hours:

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