How do I claim workers' compensation?

There are four core steps in every Australian scheme. First, report the injury or illness to your employer as soon as possible and have it recorded in the register of injuries. Second, see a doctor and get a workers' compensation medical certificate (a 'certificate of capacity'). Third, lodge the claim form and certificate with your employer, who passes it to their insurer or scheme agent. Fourth, the insurer must accept or reject the claim within the scheme's statutory timeframe — for example 28 days in Victoria, 20 business days in Queensland — and give written reasons if it is rejected.

What are workers' compensation step-downs?

A step-down is a scheduled reduction in your weekly payments after you have been receiving them for a set period. For example, in NSW and Victoria weekly payments are 95% of your pre-injury average weekly earnings for the first 13 weeks, then step down to 80% from week 14. In Queensland the rate is 85% of normal weekly earnings for the first 26 weeks, then 75%. The percentages and week boundaries differ in every scheme because workers' compensation is not harmonised.

What is whole person impairment and when can I get a lump sum or sue my employer?

Whole person impairment (WPI) is the permanent impairment your injury leaves you with, expressed as a percentage. Schemes use WPI to decide access to lump sums and common-law damages. In NSW you can claim a permanent-impairment lump sum above 10% WPI and work injury damages at 15% or more. In Victoria a common-law (serious-injury) claim generally needs 30% WPI or a narrative test. In Queensland a 20% degree of permanent impairment is an election point — a choice between a statutory lump sum and common law, not a bar. The ACT has no WPI threshold for a common-law claim at all. Get independent legal advice before electing, because the choice is usually final.

How long do workers' compensation weekly payments last?

It depends on the scheme. NSW and Victoria generally cap weekly payments at 130 weeks unless you meet an impairment and work-capacity test to continue. Queensland and South Australia generally cap at 104 weeks (South Australia continues for seriously injured workers). Other schemes run by your capacity for work or by an overall maximum amount rather than a fixed number of weeks. Confirm your specific entitlement period with your insurer or regulator.

Is workers' compensation different in each state?

Yes. Workers' compensation is not harmonised in Australia. Each state and territory and the Commonwealth (Comcare) runs its own scheme with different step-down rates, maximum payments, WPI access points and entitlement periods. This tool routes by jurisdiction so you see the rules that apply where you work. Sources: Safe Work Australia, Comparison of Workers' Compensation Arrangements in Australia and New Zealand (29th ed.), and each scheme's legislation.

Workers Compensation Claim Navigator by State

Step-by-step workers compensation claim guide for your state — what to do, who to notify, weekly payment step-downs and timeframes.

Last verified: 20 June 2026

Workers' compensation is not harmonised in Australia — every state, the territories and the Commonwealth run a different scheme. Choose where you work to see the claim steps, the weekly-payment step-downs, when you can claim a lump sum or sue, how long payments last, and your regulator's contact details.

Find how to claim workers’ compensation in your state

Workers’ compensation is not harmonised in Australia — every state, the territories and the Commonwealth run a different scheme. Choose where you work to see the claim steps, the weekly-payment step-downs, when you can claim a lump sum or sue, how long payments last, and who to call.

Your state or territory

New South Wales — how to claim

Your claim runs through the NSW workers compensation scheme (icare / SIRA).

The claim steps

1
Report the injury to your employer
Tell your employer about the work-related injury or illness as soon as possible and ask them to record it in the register of injuries. Reporting promptly protects your claim and your weekly payments.
2
See a doctor and get a certificate of capacity
See a doctor and ask for a workers' compensation medical certificate (a 'certificate of capacity' or work-capacity certificate). It records your injury, your capacity for work and any restrictions, and is required to support weekly payments.
3
Lodge the claim with the employer / insurer
Give your completed claim form and certificate of capacity to your employer, who must pass it on to their insurer/agent. SafeWork NSW can tell you who the insurer is if you are unsure or your employer will not lodge it.
4
Insurer decides the claim within the scheme timeframe
In NSW the insurer must commence provisional weekly payments within 7 days of being notified (unless it has a reasonable excuse) and determine liability as soon as practicable.

Weekly payment step-downs: Weekly payments are 95% of your pre-injury average weekly earnings for the first 13 weeks. From week 14 onwards they step down to 80% of pre-injury average weekly earnings (a higher rate can apply if you are working 15 hours or more a week).
Maximum weekly amount: The maximum weekly compensation amount was about $2,604.70 per week as at 1 October 2025. NSW indexes this figure on 1 April and 1 October each year — confirm the current cap with SIRA or your insurer.
Lump sum & suing (whole person impairment): You can claim a lump sum for permanent impairment if your whole person impairment (WPI) is more than 10%. Work injury damages (a common-law claim against a negligent employer) require at least 15% WPI. Continuing weekly payments and medical expenses beyond the standard periods require higher impairment (more than 20%, or more than 30% for the longest entitlements).
How long payments last: Weekly payments are generally limited to 130 weeks unless you have a work-capacity or impairment-based entitlement to continue. After 130 weeks, continuing payments depend on your WPI and capacity for work.
Who to call: SafeWork NSW — 13 10 50 (regulator website)
Source: Safe Work Australia, Comparison of Workers' Compensation Arrangements in Australia and New Zealand (29th ed.); Workers Compensation Act 1987 (NSW) and Workplace Injury Management and Workers Compensation Act 1998 (NSW).

About the figures: Every dollar figure below is shown with the date it applied and is indexed (most schemes index on 1 July; NSW indexes on 1 April and 1 October). Treat each as 'as at that date — confirm the current figure with your regulator or insurer'. The step-down percentages, week boundaries, WPI access points and entitlement periods are the durable scheme structure.

Coming changes: NSW is reforming its scheme. The Government has announced staged changes including lifting the whole person impairment threshold for continuing entitlements (proposed to move to 25%). These reforms are NOT yet in force as at June 2026 — the thresholds above are the current pre-reform rules. Check SIRA for the commencement of any change before relying on it.

This is general information, not legal advice, and is not a claim assessment. Workers' compensation is not harmonised — each scheme differs, and your entitlements depend on your own circumstances. Dollar figures are indexed and change regularly; confirm the current figures, thresholds and deadlines with your scheme regulator or insurer before relying on them.

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FairWork Mate is an independent commercial service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with the Fair Work Ombudsman, the Fair Work Commission, or any Australian Government agency. Content is general information and estimates only — not legal, financial, or tax advice. Always verify with the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94) or a qualified professional.

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