DWC Information and Assistance (I&A) Officers
Free help for injured workers navigating California's workers' compensation system.
What Are I&A Officers?
Information and Assistance (I&A) Officers are staff members at the Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC) who provide free assistance to injured workers, employers, and others involved in workers' compensation matters.
I&A Officers are often the first point of contact for injured workers and play a major role in reducing litigation before the Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB). Their goal is to help you receive your full and timely benefits.
How I&A Officers Can Help You
I&A Officers provide a variety of free services to injured workers:
- Answer questions about your rights and benefits under California workers' compensation law
- Explain the workers' compensation process and help you understand your options
- Call claims administrators to help clear up misunderstandings
- Hold informal meetings to help resolve disputes without formal proceedings
- Provide information about medical treatment, disability payments, and returning to work
- Guide you through form requirements and filing procedures
- Help navigate the EAMS (Electronic Adjudication Management System)
What I&A Officers Cannot Do
While I&A Officers are helpful resources, there are limitations to their role:
- They cannot act as your attorney or provide legal advice
- They cannot fill out forms on your behalf
- They cannot argue your case or speak as your representative
- They cannot make decisions about your claim
- They cannot recommend whether to settle your case
If you need someone to actively represent your interests, you may want to consider hiring a workers' compensation attorney.
How to Get Help from an I&A Officer
By Phone
Call the DWC Information Services Center:
Available Monday through Friday during business hours.
In Person
Visit your local DWC district office. Use the DWC ZIP Code Locator to find the office serving your area.
Schedule an Appointment
I&A Officers meet with unrepresented injured workers at scheduled times. Call your local office to schedule a private appointment.
Free I&A Workshops
The DWC Information and Assistance Unit offers free workshops for injured workers. These presentations cover:
- Your rights to medical treatment
- Disability payment information
- Returning to work after an injury
- How to resolve disagreements over your claim
Workshops include a presentation followed by a question and answer session. They are designed for injured workers who have recently filed a claim and don't have attorneys.
Contact your local DWC office for workshop schedules or attend an online workshop.
DWC District Office Locations
California has 23 district offices plus satellite locations throughout the state. Major locations include:
Virtual Hearings (2025 Update)
Effective March 3, 2025, all status conferences, mandatory settlement conferences (MSCs), priority conferences, and lien conferences are conducted via the CourtCall Video Platform.
For resources on DWC's virtual courtrooms, visit the DWC website.
When You May Need an Attorney
While I&A Officers provide valuable free assistance, you may benefit from legal representation if:
- Your claim has been denied
- You disagree with your disability rating
- You're having trouble getting medical treatment approved
- The insurance company is delaying or reducing your benefits
- You've been offered a settlement and want to understand your options
- Your case involves complex medical or legal issues
Attorney Nathan Howser offers free, no-obligation case evaluations. 15% typical attorney fee (WCAB approved). You pay nothing unless you receive benefits.