The worker’s claim process: step by step
You have reported your work accident or occupational disease to your employer and you have sent your Worker's claim form to the CNESST. This is what happens once your claim is received and how your claim will be handled by the CNESST:
The CNESST receives the “Worker's claim” form
When the CNESST receives your Worker's claim form, your file is opened and you are assigned a file number.
The admissibility of the claim is examined
The CNESST will examine your file to determine whether or not it is admissible.
To determine whether or not the claim is admissible, it is important that you send all the documents (medical certificate, prescriptions, receipts, etc.) relevant to the examination of your file with your Worker's claim form. This will facilitate the processing of your file.
Your claim is admissible
We will contact you in writing to let you know the decision.
You will be able to apply for benefits or file your claims for the reimbursement of expenses.
If your medical condition requires rehabilitation, a rehabilitation counsellor will be assigned to you.
Your claim is denied
If your case does not qualify, we will contact you in writing. If you do not agree with the CNESST’s decision, you may contest the decision.
Reimbursement of expenses
When your claim is accepted after your accident or the onset of your occupational disease, you are entitled to receive the health services, care and treatments required for your medical condition. The CNESST pays the hospital or clinic fees.
You might have to pay certain expenses that may be reimbursed when your claim is accepted. For example:
- medications and pharmaceutical products
- physiotherapy, occupational therapy, chiropractic treatments
- orthotics and prosthetics (in French only)
- travel and living expenses
- the cost of routine home maintenance work (these expenses must have been authorized by a rehabilitation counsellor for you to be entitled to a reimbursement)
- the cost of personal home assistance (these expenses must have been authorized by a rehabilitation counsellor for you to be entitled to a reimbursement)
To file a claim for the reimbursement of expenses, you can use the Application for reimbursement of expenses form and enclose your supporting documents, such as a physician's prescription or an invoice.
Income replacement indemnity
You are entitled to an income replacement indemnity to replace lost wages until you return to work.
Return to work
Your employer may offer you a temporary assignment until you are able to do your job or a suitable job.
When your injury has healed or is stable, if your condition allows, you can return to your regular job.
In the event that your employment injury means that you are unable to do your regular job, you will identify a suitable job together with the CNESST and your employer.
Relapse, recurrence or aggravation
In the event of a relapse, recurrence or aggravation of your injury or disease, you must file a new Worker's claim form even if you have already filed one in the past for the same work accident or the same occupational disease.