If you’ve been injured on the job in North Carolina, you may be entitled to reimbursement for travel to medical appointments. This guide tells you who to contact, how to file, and what you’re owed under the North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Act.
How to Contact the N.C. Industrial Commission for Help
The North Carolina Industrial Commission (NCIC) oversees workers’ compensation claims and can assist you with questions about your rights, claims, and travel reimbursement.
| Contact Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Telephone | (919) 807-2500 |
| Helpline (Toll-Free) | (800) 688-8349 |
| Website | ic.nc.gov |
What the Industrial Commission Can Help With
- Questions about your workers’ compensation claim
- Filing requirements and deadlines
- Travel reimbursement rules and disputes
- Understanding your rights as an injured worker
- Connecting you with the right resources
- Information about forms, hearings, and mediation
How to Submit a Travel Reimbursement Claim (Form 25T)
What Is Form 25T?
Form 25T is the Itemized Statement of Charges for Travel — the official form used to request reimbursement for mileage, meals, lodging, parking, and other expenses related to medical travel under workers’ compensation.
Where to Get Form 25T
| Source | How to Access |
|---|---|
| N.C. Industrial Commission Website | ic.nc.gov — search “Form 25T” |
| Your Employer | Request from your employer’s workers’ compensation department |
| Your Insurance Carrier | The carrier handling your claim should provide the form |
| By Phone | Call the NCIC Helpline at (800) 688-8349 |
Where to Send Your Completed Form 25T
Return Form 25T directly to your insurance carrier at the address shown on the form — not to the Industrial Commission.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1. | Complete all fields on Form 25T |
| 2. | List each medical visit (date, provider name, city, roundtrip miles) |
| 3. | Calculate your total mileage and other expenses |
| 4. | Sign the certification |
| 5. | Mail in duplicate (two copies) to your employer and/or insurance carrier |
| 6. | Keep a copy for your own records |
Important: You do not need to submit travel bills to the Industrial Commission for approval. Pay and retain the copy in the carrier’s file.
How Travel Reimbursement Works: What You’re Entitled To
Mileage Reimbursement
For travel beginning July 1, 2026, the mileage reimbursement rate is:
| Travel Date | Mileage Rate |
|---|---|
| July 1, 2026 and after | $0.76 per mile |
| January 1 – June 30, 2026 | $0.725 per mile |
| 2025 | $0.70 per mile |
| 2024 | $0.67 per mile |
| 2023 | $0.655 per mile |
| July 1 – December 31, 2022 | $0.625 per mile |
| January 1 – June 30, 2022 | $0.585 per mile |
| 2021 | $0.56 per mile |
| 2020 | $0.575 per mile |
Eligibility Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Distance | You must travel 20 miles or more roundtrip to qualify for mileage reimbursement |
| Exception | Special consideration given to employees who are totally disabled |
| Purpose | Travel must be for medical treatment related to your workers’ compensation injury |
| Medications/Supplies | No reimbursement for trips to purchase medications or supplies unless medically necessary — these should be purchased during visits to medical providers (G.S. § 97-25) |
How to Calculate Overnight Expenses: Meals & Lodging
If an overnight stay is necessary for medical travel, the following rates apply. Receipts must be furnished for the carrier’s file.
Lodging (Motel) Rates
| Travel Date | In-State (per day) | Out-of-State (per day) |
|---|---|---|
| On or after July 1, 2025 | Up to $94.10 | Up to $111.10 |
| Through June 30, 2025 | Up to $78.90 | Up to $93.20 |
Meal Rates
| Travel Date | Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner (In-State) | Dinner (Out-of-State) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| On or after July 1, 2025 | $10.60 | $14.00 | $24.40 | $27.70 |
| Through June 30, 2025 | $9.00 | $11.80 | $20.50 | $23.30 |
Other Approved Expenses
| Expense | Reimbursement |
|---|---|
| Parking | Actual charge (receipt required) |
| Cab/Taxi | Actual charge (receipt required) |
| Other expenses | As approved with receipts |
How to Complete Form 25T: Step by Step
Section 1: Your Information
Fill in:
- IC File # — your Industrial Commission file number
- Employee’s Name — your full legal name
- Address — your home address (city, state, zip)
- Home Telephone and Work Telephone
Section 2: Employer Information
Fill in:
- Employer’s Name
- Employer’s Address (city, state, zip)
- Employer Code #
Section 3: Insurance Carrier Information
Fill in:
- Insurance Carrier Name
- Carrier’s Address (city, state, zip)
- Carrier’s Telephone Number, Fax Number
- Carrier Code #
Section 4: Travel Log
For each medical visit, record:
| Column | What to Enter |
|---|---|
| Date | Date of the medical appointment |
| Name of Medical Provider | Doctor, hospital, clinic, or facility name |
| City | City where the provider is located |
| Total Miles Roundtrip | Round-trip mileage from your home to the provider |
Section 5: Other Expenses
If you had overnight expenses, parking, cab, or other costs, list them here with receipts.
Section 6: Calculate Your Total
| Calculation | How |
|---|---|
| Total Miles | Add up all roundtrip miles from your travel log |
| Mileage Reimbursement | Total Miles × mileage rate (e.g., $0.76 for travel after 7/1/2026) |
| Total Other Expenses | Lodging + meals + parking + cab + other |
| Total All Expenses | Mileage reimbursement + Total other expenses |
Section 7: Sign and Mail
- Sign the certification stating all expenses were incurred as a result of your workers’ compensation injury
- Mail in duplicate to your employer and/or insurance carrier
- Keep a copy for your records
How to Contact Your Insurance Carrier About Your Travel Claim
Your insurance carrier is the first point of contact for travel reimbursement questions.
| Question | Who to Contact |
|---|---|
| Where to send Form 25T | The carrier address shown on the form |
| Status of reimbursement | Call the carrier’s telephone number listed on the form |
| Missing or denied payment | Call the carrier first, then escalate to the NCIC Helpline |
| Dispute about reimbursement | Contact the NCIC at (919) 807-2500 or (800) 688-8349 |
How to Resolve a Travel Reimbursement Dispute
If your carrier denies or underpays your travel reimbursement:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1. Contact Your Carrier | Call the carrier’s phone number and ask about the denial |
| 2. Request Written Explanation | Ask for a written explanation of why payment was denied or reduced |
| 3. Call the NCIC Helpline | (800) 688-8349 — explain the dispute and get guidance |
| 4. File a Motion | If unresolved, you may need to file a motion with the Industrial Commission |
| 5. Seek Legal Help | Consider consulting a workers’ compensation attorney |
How to Contact the N.C. Industrial Commission: Full Directory
| Contact | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Office | (919) 807-2500 |
| Helpline (Toll-Free) | (800) 688-8349 |
| Website | ic.nc.gov |
| Workers’ Compensation Forms | Available at ic.nc.gov — search by form number |
| Address | N.C. Industrial Commission, 433 N. Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC 27603 |
Quick Reference: Key Phone Numbers
| Who to Call | Number | When |
|---|---|---|
| NCIC Helpline | (800) 688-8349 | General questions, form help, disputes |
| NCIC Main Office | (919) 807-2500 | Claim information, hearings, legal questions |
| Your Insurance Carrier | Number on Form 25T | Submit claims, check status, resolve issues |
| Your Employer | HR or workers’ comp department | Report travel, get forms, internal questions |
| 911 | Emergency | Medical emergencies |
Sample Calculation: How Much You Could Be Reimbursed
Example: Injured Worker Traveling from Raleigh to Durham
| Detail | Amount |
|---|---|
| Roundtrip Miles | 50 miles |
| Number of Visits | 4 |
| Total Miles | 50 × 4 = 200 miles |
| Mileage Rate (after 7/1/2026) | $0.76/mile |
| Mileage Reimbursement | 200 × $0.76 = $152.00 |
| Parking (2 visits × $5) | $10.00 |
| Total Reimbursement | $162.00 |
Important Reminders
- 20-mile minimum — You must travel 20 or more miles roundtrip to qualify (exception for totally disabled employees).
- Mail to your carrier, not the Commission — Form 25T goes to your insurance carrier, not the NCIC.
- Mail in duplicate — Send two copies to your employer and/or carrier.
- Keep receipts — Lodging, parking, cab, and other expenses require receipts.
- Current rate is $0.76/mile — for travel on or after July 1, 2026.
- Overnight meal rates increased July 1, 2025 — breakfast $10.60, lunch $14.00, dinner $24.40 (in-state).
- No reimbursement for medication-only trips — unless medically necessary; buy supplies during medical visits.
- Sign the certification — unsigned forms will not be processed.
- File promptly — mail your bill promptly to avoid delays.
- Help is a phone call away — call the NCIC Helpline at (800) 688-8349 anytime you need assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need the Commission’s approval to get paid?
A: No. Travel may be reimbursed directly to the employee. It is not necessary to submit bills to the Commission for approval.
Q: Can my employer pay me directly?
A: Yes. Your employer or carrier can reimburse you directly without Commission involvement.
Q: What if I’m totally disabled and can’t travel 20 miles?
A: Special consideration will be given to employees who are totally disabled. Contact the NCIC Helpline at (800) 688-8349.
Q: Can I get reimbursed for trips to the pharmacy?
A: Generally no, unless medically necessary. Medications and supplies should be purchased during visits to medical providers (G.S. § 97-25).
Q: What if my carrier refuses to pay?
A: Contact the NCIC Helpline at (800) 688-8349 for guidance on resolving disputes.
Q: Do I need to itemize every single trip?
A: Yes. List each visit with the date, provider name, city, and roundtrip miles.
Q: How long does reimbursement take?
A: Mail your bill in duplicate promptly. Processing times vary by carrier — follow up if you don’t receive payment within a reasonable time.
This guide is based on N.C. Industrial Commission Form 25T (revision 07/2026). For the most current forms, rates, and information, visit ic.nc.gov or call the NCIC Helpline at (800) 688-8349.
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