WorkCover information for injured workers in Victoria
WorkCover journey claims
WorkCover journey claims A WorkCover journey claim typically refers to when someone sustains an injury while they're travelling to or from work from their home. It is really important to note here that the law in Vic does significantly differ from other States. The...
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Does WorkCover pay for medication?
Does WorkCover pay for medication? The short answer is “yes, if you have an accepted WorkCover claim”. There are of course plenty of exceptions to the answer, which are detailed below, but for the most part, if the medication you are claiming is for the work injury,...
WorkCover claim settled: now what?
WorkCover claim settled: now what? When most people refer to their WorkCover claim having settled, what they’re usually referring to is that they’ve settled a lump sum claim. This article will look at what happens once your claim has settled. Impairment benefit...
What to do when you have problems with WorkCover
What to do when you have problems with WorkCover Unfortunately, sometimes people that have WorkCover claims report experiencing problems. Below are a list of common problems that a person on WorkCover might experience, along with steps you can take to deal with the...
Is income protection the same as workers compensation?
Is income protection the same as workers compensation? No. While there are similarities between the two, they are different things. Income protection a type of insurance that will pay you a regular income benefit if you're unable to work because of an injury, illness...
WorkCover claims process flow chart
WorkCover claims process flow chartBelow is a WorkCover claims process flow chart that outlines the WorkCover process in Victoria. On the left, you have the 'no fault entitlements'. These are entitlements can be claimed by a person regardless as to whether there was...
Does WorkCover pay for doctors?
Will WorkCover pay for doctors? Yes, if you have an accepted WorkCover claim, you’re entitled to be paid for the costs of reasonable medical and like expenses. Part of this includes having your doctors bills paid for. WorkCover will pay for doctors bills that they...
What happens if you can’t return to work after injury?
What happens if you can't return to work after injury? If you are unable to return to work following an injury related to your employment, there's two different scenarios that need to be considered. 1. If you're on WorkCover 2. If you're not on WorkCover. If you're...
Do I have to make a WorkCover claim?
Do I have to make a WorkCover claim? No, you definitely don’t need to make a WorkCover claim if you’ve suffered an injury or illness related to your employment. It’s completely up to you whether you wish to lodge a claim or not. You can also elect not to lodge a...
Injured at work but still working
Injured at work but still working?What you need to know. If you have a WorkCover claim It is possible to be injured at work but continue working with the injury employer while on WorkCover. It is in fact quite common for injured workers to continue working with the...
When does WorkCover offer a compensation payout?
When does WorkCover offer a compensation payout? WorkCover does not offer a compensation payout just because you have an accepted WorkCover claim. In order to be compensated by way of a lump sum, you need to first have the initial WorkCover claim accepted, and then...
WorkCover make up pay – how does it work?
WorkCover make up pay - how it works As you may have read on other articles on our website, WorkCover weekly payments are not paid at 100% of your pre-injury average weekly earnings. Weekly payments commence at 95% of your pre injury earnings and later on drop down to...
WorkCover underpayment of wages – what you need to know
WorkCover underpayment of wages - all you need to know There are a number of different times where you may feel that you are under paid by WorkCover. This article will examine why you might be underpaid by WorkCover and what the solutions are to the issue. You...
Sick leave or WorkCover?
Sick leave or WorkCover - what should I take? If you suffer a work related injury, you may consider using your sick leave instead of lodging a WorkCover claim if you need time off work. For example, you may wish to do so if you have a significant amount of sick leave...
How long does it take to get WorkCover payments?
How long does it take to get WorkCover payments? If the WorkCover insurer accepts your claim, it should take 4-6 weeks (approximately) from when you completed and signed the claim form, for you to get WorkCover payments. If you want to read more about how long you...
WorkCover not paying
WorkCover not paying? Here's what you can do There are various situations where WorkCover may not be paying you. This page will address the different times where you might find WorkCover not paying you and what you can do about it. There are two broad categories where...
WorkCover rights Victoria
An outline of your WorkCover rights (Victoria) People on WorkCover often do not known what their rights are. This is understandable, as for many, they’ve never needed to lodge a WorkCover claim before. Here’s a list of your WorkCover rights as an injured employee for...
WorkCover or income protection?
WorkCover or income protection? WorkCover is designed to assist people if they’ve been injured or suffered a condition that has some connection to employment. Income protection is a type of insurance that is designed to pay you a regular benefit if you can’t work...
Ending employment while on WorkCover
Ending employment while on WorkCover This article will deal with both the scenario of a worker wanting to end their employment while on WorkCover, and also the scenario where the employer wishes to end someone's employment while they are on WorkCover. It is important...
Does a WorkCover claim affect future employment?
Does a WorkCover claim affect future employment? A WorkCover claim can affect future employment. However, any injury can affect your future employment. This is because if you are asked by an employer whether you have a pre-existing injury you should answer truthfully....
WorkCover: who is a worker
WorkCover: who is a worker? To be eligible for WorkCover an injured person must show that they were a “worker” within the meaning WorkCover legislation in Victoria. If someone is held to not be a “worker” even though they appear to be working, they will not be...
What happens at WorkCover conciliation?
What happens at WorkCover conciliation? A WorkCover Conciliation is an informal process that is designed to try and resolve WorkCover related disputes. It is the first step that an injured worker can take to appeal a decision that the WorkCover insurer has made that...
Can WorkCover access medical records?
Can WorkCover access medical records? Yes, WorkCover can access your medical records when you pursue a claim. When signing the WorkCover claim form, you’re giving permission to the WorkCover insurer to obtain your medical records from any medical service or hospital...
What is a WorkCover certificate?
What is a WorkCover certificate? A WorkCover certificate is usually called a certificate of capacity or a work capacity certificate. It is a certificate that is specifically used in WorkCover matters, and is different to a normal medical certificate that you might get...
Are WorkCover payments taxable?
Are WorkCover payments taxable? Weekly payments from the WorkCover insurer are taxed just as your wages paid by your employer would be taxed. In most cases, WorkCover payments are actually made to you by your employer and they will process it similarly to a regular...
Attending WorkCover medical appointments during work hours
Attending WorkCover medical appointments during work hours If you attend a medical appointment with a treating health practitioner during work hours, and the appointment is in relation to the treatment of your work related injury or condition, you’re entitled to be...
What injuries does WorkCover cover?
What injuries does WorkCover cover? WorkCover covers a wide range of injuries, as well as illness and conditions. The legislation says an injury, illness or condition can be physical or mental. It also includes a recurrence, aggravation, deterioration, exacerbation or...
Can an employer dispute a WorkCover claim?
Can an employer dispute a WorkCover claim? Yes, an employer can dispute a WorkCover claim. It's only fair that they get to have their say. No matter what an employer thinks about a WorkCover claim however, they must complete the employer section on the claim form, and...
Is WorkCover and WorkSafe the same?
Is WorkCover and WorkSafe the same? No, WorkCover and WorkSafe are not the same. WorkSafe, or the Victorian WorkCover Authority is the Victorian government body that manages Victoria’s workplace safety regime. It is also responsible for managing Victoria’s workers...
Examples of WorkCover claims rejected
Examples of WorkCover claims rejected This page will look at a number of examples of WorkCover claims being rejected. WorkCover claims can be rejected for a number of reasons. Many of the common reasons are listed in the examples below. Keep in mind that it's common...
When can I make a WorkCover claim?
When can I make a WorkCover claim? You can make a WorkCover claim any time after you suffer an injury or illness related to your employment. The sooner the better after suffering the injury or illness. However, you can lodge a WorkCover claim months or even years...
Can you take holidays while on WorkCover?
Can you take holidays while on WorkCover? Yes, despite what many people believe, you can take holidays while on WorkCover. Just because you’re on WorkCover or in receipt of payments, does not mean you are not allowed to travel anywhere. Although you are allowed to...
Where to send WorkCover claim form?
Where to send the WorkCover claim form? Once you have completed the WorkCover claim form, you should give a copy of it to your employer. You can do so either by giving it to them in person, mail or emailing it to them, or faxing it. If for whatever reason you can’t or...
Does WorkCover use sick leave?
Does WorkCover use sick leave? No, when you’re off work because of a work related injury or illness and you’re paid income benefits, these are WorkCover weekly payments. These are seperate to your accrued sick leave entitlement. Using sick leave on WorkCover: If you...
Should I lodge a WorkCover claim?
Should I lodge a WorkCover claim? A WorkCover claim isn’t the answer all the time. However, it can be of great assistance if you think you might need medical expenses and or income replacement benefits because your inability to work is impacted due to a work related...
Does WorkCover back pay?
Does WorkCover back pay? Yes, if your claim is rejected and then later accepted, you’re entitled to be back paid to put you in the position of if your claim was initially accepted. If you reach an agreement with the insurance company or their lawyers to resolve your...
Does WorkCover pay full wages?
Does WorkCover pay full wages? No, WorkCover pays income replacement benefits at a rate less than your full wage if your ability to work is impacted because of a work related injury or illness. Income benefits are calculated based on an average of your earnings with...
Can you work while on WorkCover?
Can you work while on WorkCover? Working while you're on WorkCover is something that many people seem to wonder about. The answer, however is: yes, just because you’re on WorkCover that does not mean you can't work. However, you need to ensure you’re following the...
Does WorkCover pay for surgery?
Does WorkCover pay for surgery? Yes, in many instances, WorkCover will pay for surgery, provided that surgery relates to your work related injury. Before you have the surgery, you will need to obtain written approval from the WorkCover insurer. They may wish to have...
How to appeal a WorkCover decision
How to appeal a WorkCover decision (explained)The first step is to ask the insurer to review the decision. You can call them and ask them to review the decision. If this does not get them to change their decision, then you should complete and lodge a request for...
Can WorkCover force you back to work?
Can WorkCover force you back to work?No, WorkCover cannot force you back to work. You should only be returning to work when you are certified medically fit to do so. In order to return to work, you’re treating doctor needs to certify that you have a capacity to return...
How to report an injury that happened at work
How to report an injury that happened at workThe steps are these: 1. Tell your employer 2. Record it in the register of injuries 3. Get proof that the injury has been registered Tell your employer (or manager/supervisor) Either you, or someone on your behalf, must...
All about economic loss in WorkCover matters
Economic loss and compensation for loss of incomeIf a person suffers an injury at work and their ability to work is impacted, under the WorkCover scheme there are two ways that they can be compensated for their loss of income. The first is by the payment of weekly...
WorkCover and Centrelink payments
WorkCover and Centrelink payments - what you need to know (Vic) If you pursue a WorkCover claim in Victoria and you happen to be on Centrelink benefits - or have been on benefits, it's a good idea to understand what impact your WorkCover claim could have on the...
Workers compensation case study
Workers compensation case study (Vic)This case study is designed to give you an idea as to how a workers compensation claim in Victoria could progress. Keep in mind that the case study is an example for illustrative purposes. Every case has its own unique set of...
Compensation for workplace bullying
All about obtaining compensation for workplace bullying in Victoria. Workplace bullying is behaviour that is repeated and unreasonable, and is directed towards a worker or a group of workers, and creates a risk to health and safety. Workplace bullying can occur...
WorkCover payouts for neck injury
WorkCover payout for neck injury If you suffer an injury to your neck at work there are a few different options open to you to pursue compensation. We have covered compensation that relates to medical expenses and income replacement benefits elsewhere. The two types...
What is whole person impairment in WorkCover claims?
What is whole person impairment? Whole person impairment (WPI) is a percentage figure based on a medical assessment or assessments performed by doctors who have undergone training in assessing injuries in accordance with the American Medical Association Guides to...
Who pays for workers compensation (Vic)?
Who pays for workers compensation? WorkSafe (WorkCover) and their authorised insurance companies pay for all benefits associated with workers compensation matters in Victoria. This is because every Victorian employer is required to take out a WorkCover workers...
Impairment benefit calculator (WorkCover Vic)
Impairment benefit calculator (WorkCover VIC)This calculator will enable you to calculate your impairment benefit lump sum for WorkCover (Vic) matters. Here's how to use the calculator: Step 1 In order to use the calculator, you need to have your overall whole person...
PIAWE calculator (Vic)
PIAWE calculator (Vic)This calculator will enable you to calculate your Pre Injury Average Weekly earnings (sometimes referred to as 'PIAWE'). Here's how to use the calculator: Step 1 In the first box, enter your average gross weekly wage (no need to include '$'). If...
