Illinois has moved its accident reporting to electronic filing and runs disputes through the IWCC — here are the official links and the deadlines that decide claims.

Official Illinois resources

• Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission — the state agency
• Verify an employer’s coverage — the IWCC’s coverage search (via NCCI)
• Official forms — the IWCC forms library
• Insurance requirements — IWCC guidance for employers

Key employer forms

Illinois’ historical Form 45 (Employer’s First Report of Injury) has moved to electronic submission: accident reports are now filed via EDI — deaths within 2 working days, injuries causing more than 3 lost work days within a month. Your carrier typically handles the EDI filing once you report.

What to do when an employee is injured

1. Get the employee medical care and document the incident
2. Notify your carrier immediately — EDI accident reporting runs through the claims process
3. Report qualifying accidents to the IWCC: deaths within 2 working days; injuries with 3+ lost days within one month
4. Preserve wage records — Illinois benefits calculate from average weekly wage, and disputes often start there
5. Post the required IWCC workplace notice where employees can see it

Deadlines that matter

Employees must notify the employer within 45 days of the accident. Claims must be filed within 3 years of the injury, or within 2 years of the last compensation payment, whichever is later.

For rate context, see Illinois workers’ comp rates, or start with our full Illinois coverage guide. Need proof of coverage for a contract? We issue same-day certificates.

Illinois forms FAQs

How does accident reporting work in Illinois now?

Electronically — the old paper Form 45 process has moved to EDI. Deaths are reported within 2 working days; injuries causing more than 3 lost work days within one month. Carriers typically file on the employer’s behalf.

How long does an Illinois worker have to report an injury?

Notice to the employer within 45 days of the accident (90 days for radiological exposure); claims must be filed within 3 years of injury or 2 years of the last payment, whichever is later.

How do I check if an Illinois business carries workers’ comp?

Through the IWCC’s coverage page, which links the NCCI-powered employer coverage search — free and searchable by name.