The santa barbara workers comp board is the name many injured workers use for the Goleta WCAB district office. You can find it at 120 Cremona Drive, Suite 270, Goleta, CA 93117-3167, and reach it by phone at (805) 770-6161. If you have a hearing notice or a form to file, this office may handle your case.
This guide covers where it is, what happens there, and how to get ready. Being hurt and worried about money is stressful. Getting to know the office first can take some of the fear out of the process.
Where the Santa Barbara Workers Comp Board Is
The office is in Goleta, not in downtown Santa Barbara. That surprises some people. The full address is 120 Cremona Drive, Suite 270, Goleta, CA 93117-3167. The main office phone is (805) 770-6161. The court lobby is typically open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Hearing sessions typically run from 8:30 to 12:00 and from 1:30 to 5:00. However, schedules can vary by office, so check the agency site before you go. Parking and transit details are also on the agency site.
The table below lists the key facts about the santa barbara workers comp board. Keep it handy when you call or plan your trip.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Office name | Goleta WCAB district office |
| Also known as | Santa Barbara |
| Address | 120 Cremona Drive, Suite 270, Goleta, CA 93117-3167 |
| Office phone | (805) 770-6161 |
| Agency | California Division of Workers’ Compensation (WCAB district offices) |
| Area served | Santa Barbara area (confirm your exact county on the DWC office directory) |
| Main agency line | 1-800-736-7401 (DWC Information Services Center) |
| Hours | Court lobby 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; sessions 8:30-12:00 and 1:30-5:00 (typical; varies by office) |
What Happens at the Santa Barbara Workers Comp Board
The santa barbara workers comp board is where workers’ comp disputes are heard and settled. Workers’ compensation judges run the hearings. These judges work for the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB). For example, a judge may decide whether your injury is covered. A judge may also rule on medical treatment, disability payments, or a settlement. In most cases, the judge reviews papers and listens to both sides. The goal is to resolve the dispute fairly.
Not every visit is a full trial. Many cases start with a short conference. At a conference, the judge checks where the case stands. Both sides may try to agree on issues. Typically, settlements are reviewed and approved here too. A judge must approve a settlement before it becomes final. As a result, the judge acts as a check to make sure the deal is fair to you.
The santa barbara workers comp board also has two helpful units. The Information & Assistance Unit gives free help to injured workers. Staff can explain your rights, forms, and next steps. However, they cannot act as your lawyer. The Disability Evaluation Unit rates permanent disability based on medical reports. That rating helps set what a permanent injury may be worth. To learn more about the larger system, see our guide to the California workers comp board.
What to Bring and How to Prepare
A little preparation goes a long way. Bring your hearing notice. It shows your case number, date, and time. Bring your claim number and any letters from the insurance company. Bring copies of medical records, doctor reports, and work restrictions. Also bring a photo ID. If you have pay stubs or proof of lost wages, bring those too. Keep everything in one folder so you can find it fast.
Plan to arrive early. Security lines and finding the right room can take time. Hearing days are often busy, and you may wait. That is normal. If you have a lawyer, they will usually meet you there and speak for you. If you do not have a lawyer, you can still attend. The Information & Assistance Unit at the santa barbara workers comp board can answer general questions before your hearing.
If you have questions before your hearing date, call the office at (805) 770-6161. You can also call the DWC Information Services Center at 1-800-736-7401. If you have not filed yet, start with our guide on how to file a California workers comp claim. Every case is different. Any settlement figure you hear is only an example. Confirm amounts and deadlines with the state board and a licensed attorney.
Which Office Serves Your Case
The santa barbara workers comp board serves cases assigned to the Santa Barbara area. Your case is usually assigned based on where you live or where you were hurt. However, the rules can be more detailed than that. The easiest way to know is to read your hearing notice. It names the district office handling your case. If your notice lists the Goleta WCAB district office, this is your office.
📨 Get Free Workers Comp Guides Alerts
Free · No spam · Unsubscribe anytime
If you are not sure, check the official California DWC district office directory. It lists every office and its contact details. You can also call 1-800-736-7401 for help. To learn whether your employer must carry coverage, see our guide to California workers comp requirements. Knowing your office early can help you avoid a wasted trip to the wrong place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the santa barbara workers comp board actually in Santa Barbara?
No. The office people call “Santa Barbara” is in Goleta. The address is 120 Cremona Drive, Suite 270, Goleta, CA 93117-3167. Check your hearing notice to be sure it names this office.
Do I need a lawyer to go to a hearing?
You are not required to have one. Many injured workers attend with a lawyer, and some go alone. The Information & Assistance Unit can explain the process, but it cannot represent you. For advice on your specific case, talk to a licensed attorney.
Who do I call with a question about my case?
You can call the Goleta office at (805) 770-6161. For general questions, call the DWC Information Services Center at 1-800-736-7401. Have your case number ready when you call.
Santa barbara workers comp board: Quick Recap
If you remember one thing about santa barbara workers comp board, make it this: the rule is set by the state (or the federal program), not by the insurer, and the official source is linked above. Every figure on this page about santa barbara workers comp board should be confirmed with the agency before you act on it.
Questions about santa barbara workers comp board that this page does not answer are usually answered for free by the state workers’ comp agency’s information line — and, for a disputed claim, by a licensed attorney in a first consultation.
See your state’s exact numbers
What you are owed depends on your state’s benefit caps and deadlines. Start with your state’s settlement and claim guides for the exact figures.
Sources & How to Verify
The figures on this page come from official government and industry sources. Workers’ comp benefit caps, deadlines, and rules change, so always confirm the exact figure with your state’s workers’ comp board or a licensed attorney before acting. Settlement estimates are illustrative, and every case is different.
- Your state workers’ comp board, division, or commission: the official source for your state’s exact caps, deadlines, and forms — search “[your state] workers compensation board”
- U.S. Department of Labor (OWCP): dol.gov — federal workers’ compensation overview
- NCCI: ncci.com — workers’ comp rating and benefit data
- Social Security Administration: ssa.gov — benefit-cap and SSDI offset data
- Insurance Information Institute: iii.org — neutral workers’ comp background
Content last reviewed October 2026. If you notice an outdated figure, please contact us.
Related Guides
- California Workers Comp Board
- How to File a California Workers Comp Claim
- California Workers Comp Requirements
- Workers Comp Settlements by State (All 50)
- Workers Comp Claims by State (All 50)
- More in This Category
- Settlements by Injury
- Benefits Explained
- Workers Comp Glossary
Informational only — not legal, medical, or financial advice. Workers Comp Explained is an independent educational resource, not a law firm, insurer, or medical or financial advisor, and this page does not provide legal, medical, or financial advice. Workers’ compensation benefits, deadlines, and rules vary by state and change over time, and settlement estimates are illustrative only. Always confirm the exact figure and any deadline with your state’s workers’ compensation board and a licensed attorney before you act.