Keeping records of expenses and losses to support benefit and compensation claims

By Chris Salmon | Updated: September 27, 2025

After a work accident, you may face extra costs and lost income. To make sure you receive the full amount of compensation and benefits you are entitled to, you should keep accurate records of all expenses and financial losses linked to your injury.

At a glance

Keep receipts, payslips and invoices for all accident-related costs.
Maintain a written or digital log of expenses and losses.
Good records support both special damages claims and benefit applications.
Special damages can include lost earnings, travel, and medical costs if supported by receipts and records (Source: Judiciary UK)
Evidence makes it harder for insurers or the DWP to dispute your claim.

Why keeping records matters

Without evidence, it is much harder to recover the money you have lost. Insurers, solicitors and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) expect proof before paying out. Well-kept records strengthen your case and reduce delays.

What to record

Medical costs: prescriptions, physiotherapy, private treatment and medical equipment.
Travel expenses: parking, public transport tickets, and fuel receipts for medical appointments.
Loss of earnings: payslips or bank statements showing lost wages, overtime or bonuses.
Care costs: invoices for professional carers, or notes about unpaid care from family or friends.
Home adaptations: receipts for ramps, stair lifts or other accessibility modifications.
Other expenses: childcare, cancelled bookings, or training you could not attend.

Tips for keeping strong records

Ask for receipts or invoices for every expense.
Keep a dated log explaining why each cost was necessary.
Make copies of paper documents or scan them for backup.
Save bank statements that show the payments were made.

How records support your compensation claim

Your solicitor will use this evidence to calculate special damages. Courts also expect you to show that you tried to mitigate losses by avoiding unnecessary costs. Detailed records help demonstrate that your spending was reasonable.

How records support your benefit claim

When applying for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Universal Credit, you may need to show how your income has reduced or that you have new costs. Good evidence helps the DWP process your application more smoothly.

How long to keep records

Keep everything until your compensation claim and benefits are resolved. For long-term or permanent injuries, this may mean keeping records for several years. Your solicitor may recommend holding onto them for longer in case of future questions.

Next steps

If you are not sure what to keep, ask your solicitor for guidance. They will know what kind of records will carry the most weight when supporting your claim.

External references

GOV.UK: Compensation after an accident or injury - provides guidance on documenting expenses and losses for personal injury claims, including work-related injuries.
Citizens Advice: Personal injuries - offers advice on recording losses and expenses to support compensation claims for workplace injuries.
HSE: Witness statements - explains the importance of documenting evidence, including financial losses, to support workplace injury claims.
Civil Procedure Rules: Part 35 - outlines rules for expert evidence, which can include financial assessments of losses in injury claims.

About the author

Chris Salmon is a legal commentator and co-founder of Quittance Legal Services. He has written extensively about workplace accidents, employment rights and the claims process. Chris's work has been cited in national media and he regularly contributes practical guidance to help injured workers understand their options.

More about Chris and WAAC

Last reviewed September 2025 by Chris Salmon

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