The Iowa Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC) requires parties to electronically file (eFile) on the Workers' Compensation Electronic System (WCES), including answers and appearances in contested case proceedings.
This page contains tips for completing and eFiling an answer or appearance on WCES.
If your answer Concerns an application for alternate care, IME, or Vocational Rehabilitation Program benefits, use the correct DWC form.
DWC requires you to use agency forms for certain filings. DWC has developed the following forms that must be used when filing an answer:
Form 100C -- Answer Concerning Application for Alternate Care (14-0011A)
Form 100A -- Answer Concerning Independent Medical Exam (14-0007A)
Form 100B -- Answer Concerning Vocational Rehabilitation Program Benefit (14-0009A)
There is no DWC form for an answer to the Form 100, Original Notice & Petition.
If you fail to use the correct form, DWC may reject your filing.
eFile an answer or appearance concerning an application for alternate care on WCES.
DWC is required to issue a decision concerning an application for alternate care within ten days of the filing of the petition. This creates a short time period for the defendant(s) to eFile an answer or appearance and any exhibits. In order to ensure that DWC calls you for the alternate care hearing, you should eFile an answer or appearance on WCES before the hearing and as soon as possible. eFiling an answer or appearance will ensure that you are associated with the case on WCES.
DWC requires use of Form 100C, Answer Concerning Application for Alternate Care (14-0011A) when eFiling such an answer on WCES. To view and download the form, click here.
You may attach any exhibits you wish to offer into evidence at hearing to your answer or eFile them separately on WCES.
Choose the correct document type on WCES for your answer or appearance.
When you eFile a document on WCES, you choose the document type. You should choose the correct document type from the list of types on WCES for your answer or appearance.
Failure to choose the correct document type on WCES may result in the DWC rejecting your answer or appearance.
To amend an answer, eFile a motion to amend on WCES.
If you need to amend an answer, you should eFile a motion to amend on WCES.
When eFiling a motion to amend an answer on WCES, select the "Motion to Amend" document and add "Answer" as the additional notice.
eFile to the correct file number(s).
When eFiling an answer or appearance, you must eFile to the correct DWC file number(s).
For eFiling tips on using the correct DWC file number, click here.
If you eFile an answer or appearance under an incorrect DWC file number, DWC may reject your filing.
Identify the correct parties.
Make sure that your answer or appearance identifies the correct claimant, employer, and insurance carrier (if any).
If you eFile an answer or appearance that incorrectly identifies a party, DWC may reject your filing.
User Guide
For written instructions on how to eFile on WCES, click here.
Tutorial Videos
To view tutorial videos on how to eFile on WCES, click here.
More eFiling Tips
For more eFiling tips, click here.
eFiling on WCES
For more resources relating to eFiling on WCES, click here.