Dear members,
As increased infection rates have resulted in renewed stay-at-home orders around the state, the Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC) has advised there may be delayed processing times for documents that are mailed to the district offices.
Instead, the DWC encourages the use of e-file or JET file for all parties' documents:
"DWC strongly encourages all parties to e-file or JET file documents to reduce processing times. For documents that are subject to a statute of limitations and cannot be otherwise e-filed or JET filed the parties may file those documents via e-mail as instructed in the Newsline dated April 23 and the WCAB en banc order of April 6. DWC previously posted instructions on its website on how to file settlement documents in EAMS. Parties should review those instructions. If you are not already an e-filer and would like to become one please go to DWC’s EAMS page to learn how or send a request to EFORMS@dir.ca.gov for more information.
These recommendations also apply to the DWC Subsequent Injury Benefit Trust Fund Unit, which is also experiencing delay times for processing documents due to the reduction in staff during the COVID-19 crisis. Parties are strongly encouraged to file their documents electronically."
