When is a document considered filed at the WCAB?

• A. Date it is postmarked
• B. Date of Express Mail pickup
• C. Date it is received
• D. Date of cover letter filing it

Answer: (C)

The filing date with the WCAB is the date the board actually receives the document. It doesn’t rely on when you mailed it, when it was postmarked, or when a courier picked it up. The official moment that starts the clock for deadlines is when the WCAB has the document in its possession.

This approach provides a clear, objective record that can’t be disputed by mail delays or other delivery issues. It also keeps the process consistent: a document is considered filed only when it’s received by the WCAB, not when it’s mailed or stamped.

So, if you’re aiming to meet a deadline, plan to have the document delivered to the WCAB before that deadline and ensure it’s received rather than relying on mailing dates. The date of receipt is the authoritative filing date; a cover letter’s date or the postmark isn’t used to determine timeliness.