WorkCover information for injured workers in Victoria
Does WorkCover pay for retraining?
Does WorkCover pay for retraining? Yes, in certain instances WorkCover will pay for retraining expenses. This applies if you’re no longer employed with the employer with which you suffered injury, or if you are still employed with the injury employer have some...
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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...
WorkCover payout for back injury
WorkCover payouts for back injuryWhen you injure your back at work there are a number of different compensation options open to you. What we will cover in this article is lump sum compensation. Compensation relating to medical expenses and weekly payments are covered...
When can the WorkCover insurer stop my weekly payments?
Can WorkCover stop payments? Yes, there are a number of different times where WorkCover can stop your weekly payments. These are: If you make a return to full unrestricted work Reaching the end of the second entitlement period Fraud Non compliance If the injury is no...
What to do if your WorkCover claim is rejected in Victoria
What to do when your WorkCover claim is rejected (Vic) If your WorkCover claim has been rejected, if you wish to appeal the decision of the insurer you can do so by taking the matter to conciliation. However, there are some other considerations which this page will...
Can you reopen a WorkCover claim?
Can you reopen a WorkCover claim? Yes, a WorkCover claim can be reopened. The key thing is whether you actually have an entitlement to claim something, irrespective of the time that has passed. For example, is there medical evidence to support the need for a...
Using sick leave while on workers compensation
Using sick leave while on workers compensation What’s the difference between sick leave and WorkCover payments? WorkCover is a type of insurance that covers injured workers. If injured workers need to take time off work due to an injury or illness, then generally...
WorkCover payments after 130 weeks
WorkCover payments after 130 weeks Anyone that’s injured in Victoria is entitled to pursue a WorkCover claim for compensation. As part of that WorkCover claim, one entitlement is weekly payments of compensation if the person cannot work or is restricted in their...
Industrial deafness claim amounts
Industrial deafness claim amounts (Vic)?What does industrial deafness mean?Industrial deafness is any condition of deafness caused by regular exposure to noise in the workplace. It can also be caused by one particular noise exposure which results in some loss of...
Does workcover cover travel to and from work in Victoria?
Does WorkCover cover travel to and from work in Victoria? If you were injured on the road driving to and from work, then the WorkCover insurer would not be responsible for paying your entitlements. In this case, you would need to lodge a claim with the TAC who would...
Can an employee be terminated while on workers compensation?
Can an employee be terminated while on workers compensation? It's a common question - 'can an employee be terminated while on workers compensation?' Here's what the law says: You are not able to be terminated from your employment in Victoria just because you made a...
How long does a WorkCover claim take?
How long does a WorkCover claim take? In order to answer this question properly, we need to look at the different parts that make up a WorkCover claim. The first thing we need to look at is how long it takes for a WorkCover claim to be processed after it has been...
Do you accrue annual leave while on workers compensation?
Do you accrue annual leave on WorkCover in Victoria?Yes. If you have an accepted WorkCover claim in Victoria and you remain employed and on weekly payments, you should continue to accrue annual leave entitlements as if you were working normally. How does annual leave...
Finding a job after a workers compensation claim
Finding a job after workers compensationMany people wonder what impact a workers compensation or WorkCover claim will have on their ability to find a new job. Will employers be hesitant to hire them if they find out they’ve had an injury or pursued a WorkCover claim?...
Does WorkCover include super?
Does WorkCover include super? If you have an accepted WorkCover claim in Victoria and you are in receipt of weekly payments because you are unable to work at all, or you have a restriction in your ability to work, you are entitled to receive superannuation...
Victorian Workers Compensation Legislation
Victorian Workers Compensation Legislation The Workplace Injury Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2013 (Vic) (WIRC Act) is the current legislation that covers Victorian WorkCover matters. It came into effect on 1 July 2014. This piece of legislation replaced two...
Can I claim workers compensation after termination?
Can I claim workers compensation after termination? Yes, you are able to claim workers compensation after termination. Whether the claim is accepted or not will depend upon what evidence exists to support your claim that you suffered an injury or illness connected to...
WorkCover stress leave
WorkCover stress leave - all you need to know Stress is a common part of many workers' day-to-day life. However, sometimes that stress can reach a point where it becomes too much. In some cases, you may be able to make a WorkCover claim if you need time off work due...
WorkCover payouts for shoulder injuries
WorkCover payouts for shoulder injuries Under the WorkCover system, if you succeed in an impairment lump sum for a shoulder injury, you can expect to receive a minimum of $21,000. You may be entitled to more if your shoulder injury is particularly bad (eg: one that...
WorkCover light duties – what you need to know
WorkCover light duties - what you need to know If you suffered injury at work and you cannot do the same work as before your injury, you may need to go on light duties. Sometimes these are referred to as modified duties. If you have an accepted WorkCover claim you are...