Agency or petition filing
Claim filing deadline
3 years after accident if no compensation has been paid, or 2 years after the last compensation payment, whichever is later.
820 ILCS 305/6(d).
Verified Jul 3, 2026 · Next review by Jul 3, 2027
Illinois · Workers’ compensation
Illinois Workers’ Compensation Notice and Claim Deadlines
3 years after accident if no compensation has been paid, or 2 years after the last compensation payment, whichever is later.
2 rules checked against governing sourcesSources checked through Jul 3, 2026Inspect the coverage gate
Answer first, sources attached
The two state deadlines to check first
Employer notice and claim filing are distinct steps in many states. Both can depend on the injury type, knowledge date, treatment, or benefit history.
Initial notice
Employer notice rule
Notice to employer as soon as practicable, but not later than 45 days after the accident.
820 ILCS 305/6(c).
Verified Jul 3, 2026 · Next review by Jul 3, 2027
What changes the answer
The statewide rule is the starting point
- Accident versus occupational diseaseThe trigger may change when an injury develops over time.
- Knowledge and manifestationSome rules turn on when the worker knew the condition was work-related.
- Treatment and benefit paymentsEmployer-furnished treatment or indemnity payments can affect filing time.
- Coverage and exceptionsEmployer status, actual knowledge, prejudice, and statutory exceptions may change the result.
For workers’ compensation attorneys
Carry the deadline into wage, treatment, and hearing control
DocketBuddy connects notice and filing rules to AWW, benefits, medical records, work status, hearings, liens, and settlement preparation.
This page reports source-linked state rules and review dates. It does not calculate a deadline, determine eligibility, select a procedure, value a claim, or apply law to an individual situation. Verify the cited authority, local procedure, and current law before relying on a rule.