Worker FAQs

1. Do I need to have all my information and evidence before starting an appeal?

No. You do not need all your information and evidence before you appeal. We will later give you the opportunity to strengthen your appeal by providing more information and evidence, either through written or verbal submissions.

2. Can I telephone WCAT to start my appeal?

No. Although you can telephone us and let us know that you intend to appeal, you can only start your appeal in writing. We will send you a Notice of Appeal form. In order to keep your appeal active, you need to ensure that we receive your completed form within 21 days. You will find more information in our Appealing a Review Division Decision - Worker's Guide.

3. Who can participate in my appeal?

You, along with your representative or adviser and your employer, along with their representative or their adviser can participate in your appeal to WCAT.

The employers in British Columbia pay for the workers' compensation system. Your employer has the right to participate in your appeal because the amount they pay to WorkSafeBC may be directly affected by our decision.

4. What happens after I send you my appeal form or letter?

We will send you a letter confirming that we have received your appeal and giving you an appeal number. We may also ask you for more information if your appeal form or letter does not seem complete. In order to keep your appeal active, you need to ensure that you give us all the information we request within 21 days. You will find more information in our Appealing a Review Division Decision - Worker's Guide.

5. Can I fax my appeal form or letter to WCAT?

Yes. Please keep a copy of everything you send to us as well as the fax confirmation sheet.

6. What if I appeal too late?

If your appeal is late, you may be able to get an extension. We'll ask you if special circumstances prevented you from appealing within the time limit. You can read more about acceptable reasons for extensions in items 8.2 and following in our Manual of Rules of Practice and Procedure.

If you require an extension, please explain your reasons for appealing late on the Extension of Time to Appeal Application form or in your letter of appeal. If you don't give us an explanation, we will mail you an Extension of Time to Appeal Application form to fill out and return. In order to keep your appeal active, you need to ensure that you fill out and return the form to us within 21 days.

7. Do I need someone to represent me?

You may appeal on your own of course, but you might also want to ask for assistance from someone familiar with the workers' compensation system, such as a union representative, compensation consultant, or a lawyer.

You can get free help with your appeal from a workers' adviser.

To protect your privacy, we will not discuss your appeal with anyone but you unless you authorize a representative on the Notice of Appeal form. You can also file an Authorization of Representative form that gives us permission to do so.