What if I miss the deadline?

Missing the limit does not always end your claim. The deadline is strict, but most schemes can accept a late claim where there is a genuine reason for the delay — for example you did not realise the injury was work-related, you were too unwell to lodge, or you were given wrong information. Ask the regulator or insurer about an extension as soon as you can and get the reason for the delay in writing. Do not assume you have missed out: lodge anyway and explain why it is late.

What about a disease that develops later, like dust disease?

Dust diseases and other latent or long-latency illnesses — such as silicosis, asbestos-related disease, occupational cancers and noise-induced hearing loss — are commonly exempt from the ordinary claim limit, because the harm can appear years after the exposure. The clock generally runs from when you knew, or ought reasonably to have known, the illness was work-related, and some dust-disease schemes have no limitation period at all. Confirm the position for your specific illness with the regulator or a lawyer.

Is the workers' compensation time limit different in each state?

Yes. Workers' compensation is not harmonised in Australia, so each state and territory and the Commonwealth (Comcare) sets its own claim time limit. Most schemes allow 6 months (NSW, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and around the same in the Northern Territory), Western Australia allows 12 months, and Victoria requires you to report the injury within 30 days before lodging. The ACT and Comcare have reporting steps but the exact lodgement limit depends on your circumstances, so confirm it with the regulator. This tool routes by jurisdiction so you see the limit that applies where you work.

Do I have to notify my employer first?

Yes — in every Australian scheme you should tell your employer about the work-related injury or illness as soon as possible and have it recorded in the register of injuries. Reporting promptly protects your claim and your weekly payments, and in Victoria reporting within 30 days is a formal step before you lodge. Notifying early also fixes useful evidence about how and when the injury happened, which matters if there is any dispute later.

Workers Comp Claim Time Limits by State

Q: How long do I have to claim workers' compensation?

Notify your employer as soon as possible — and in most Australian schemes you have 6 months to lodge a claim, generally running from the date of the injury or from when you became aware it was work-related. Western Australia is the exception, allowing 12 months under the Workers Compensation and Injury Management Act 2023 (WA), which commenced on 1 July 2024. Victoria works in two steps: report the injury to your employer within 30 days, then lodge the claim form. Workers' compensation is not harmonised, so check the exact deadline for where you work and lodge as early as you can.

Find the time limit to lodge a workers compensation claim in your state — deadlines are strict and vary across Australia.

Last verified: 21 June 2026

Workers' compensation claim deadlines are strict and differ in every Australian scheme. Most schemes give you 6 months to lodge, Western Australia gives 12 months, and Victoria requires you to report within 30 days first. The limit is usually extendable for genuine reasons, and dust and other latent diseases are commonly exempt. Choose where you work to see your time limit and who to call.

How long do I have to claim workers’ compensation?

Workers’ compensation is not harmonised in Australia — every state, the territories and the Commonwealth set their own claim deadline. Choose where you work to see your time limit, whether it can be extended, and how dust or latent diseases are treated.

Your state or territory

New South Wales — your claim time limit

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

Time limit to lodge

6 months to lodge your claim, generally running from the date of the injury (or from when you first became aware of a work-related illness).

Act now — do not wait

Notify your employer as soon as possible — do not wait the full 6 months. Prompt notification protects your claim and your weekly payments.

Can the deadline be extended?: The time limit is strict — do not wait. But most schemes can accept a late claim where there is a genuine reason for the delay (for example you did not realise the injury was work-related, you were too unwell, or you were given wrong information). Ask the regulator or insurer about an extension as soon as you can, and get the reason for the delay in writing.
What about a disease that develops later (dust, asbestos, latent illness)?: Dust diseases and other latent or long-latency illnesses (for example silicosis, asbestos-related disease, occupational cancers and noise-induced hearing loss) are commonly exempt from the ordinary claim limit, because the harm can appear years after the exposure. The clock generally runs from when you knew, or ought reasonably to have known, the illness was work-related — and some dust-disease schemes have no limitation period at all. Confirm the position for your illness with the regulator or a lawyer.
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).

This is general information, not legal advice, and is not a claim assessment. Workers' compensation is not harmonised — each scheme sets its own time limits, and how they apply depends on your own circumstances. Do not rely on the last day of any limit: notify your employer and lodge as soon as you can, and confirm the exact deadline and any extension with your scheme regulator or insurer before relying on it.

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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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