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?
Who is considered a worker for WorkCover purposes? Summary 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...
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? Summary 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...
Does WorkCover back pay?
Does WorkCover back pay? Summary Yes, WorkCover will pay back pay 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...
Does WorkCover pay full wages?
Does WorkCover pay full wages? No, WorkCover typically pays weekly payments at a rate less than your full wages. Weekly payments/income benefits are calculated based on an average of your earnings with an employer for 12 months prior to the injury (or if you’ve been...
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 (updated for 2026) Summary The first step is to ask the insurer to review the decision. If this does not get them to change their decision, then you could initiate conciliation. If the matter does not resolve at conciliation,...
Can WorkCover force you back to work?
Can WorkCover force you back to work? Summary 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...
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
WorkCover loss of income (economic loss) - how it is claimable Summary If 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...
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
Compensation for workplace bullying Summary There are compensation options for workplace bullying via WorkCover, the Fair Work Commission, or the Human Rights Commission depending on their circumstances. What is workplace bullying? Workplace bullying is behaviour that...
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 (and how is it relevant in WorkCover matters)? Summary 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...
Who pays for workers compensation (WorkCover) in Victoria?
Who pays for workers compensation (WorkCover) in Victoria? Summary 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...
Whole person impairment compensation calculator
Whole person impairment compensation/impairment benefit calculators Below you'll find impairment calculators that you can use once you've had an impairment assessment or attended the medical panel and received a notice of entitlement. The first step is for you to...
PIAWE calculator (Vic)
Pre injury average weekly earnings (PIAWE) calculator for Victorian WorkCover matters This calculator will assist you in calculating your pre injury average weekly earnings (PIAWE). You should read out accompanying PIAWE calculation guide. The calculator below should...
WorkCover payout for back injury
WorkCover payouts for back injuryIf you suffer a back injury related to your employment, there are compensation options open to you under WorkCover. What we will cover on this page is lump sum compensation. Compensation relating to medical expenses and weekly payments...
When can WorkCover stop paying weekly payments?
When can WorkCover stop paying weekly payments? Summary 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...
What to do if your WorkCover claim is rejected in Victoria
What to do when your WorkCover claim is rejected 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 detail....
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...
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? Summary A WorkCover claim typically begins with lodging a WorkCover claim form after which the insurer determines whether to accept or reject the claim. If the claim is rejected and subsequently contested, this adds to the overall...
Finding a job after a workers compensation claim
Finding a job after a workers compensation matter Many 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...
Does WorkCover include super?
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...
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? Summary You are able to claim workers compensation after termination in Victoria. Whether the claim is accepted or not will depend upon whether you satisfy the requirements under the Act. Sometimes, people that are...
WorkCover payouts for shoulder injuries
WorkCover compensation 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 approximately $16,000 (2026). You may be entitled to more if your shoulder injury is...
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...
How long can you stay on WorkCover in Victoria?
How long can you be on WorkCover in Victoria? Most people can stay on WorkCover payments for up to 130 weeks. Longer if they have no capacity. They're entitled to medical expenses, generally speaking, for one year after their last weekly payment. However, the above...
WorkCover payout examples
WorkCover payout examples (Vic) Below are some WorkCover payout examples. You can use these examples to get an idea as to what you may be entitled to. Keep in mind that the WorkCover payout examples below are just that - they're examples for illustrative purposes....
All about WorkCover Common law
WorkCover Common law claims What is a WorkCover Common law claim? If you sustained injury during the course of your employment in Victoria, and that injury occurred as a result of someone else’s negligence or contributed to your injury through negligence, then...
All about WorkCover impairment claims
All about WorkCover impairment claims in Victoria An impairment claim, sometimes referred to as a claim for impairment benefits or impairment benefits claim, is open to someone to pursue if they have a work related injury or illness that has resulted in permanent...
WorkCover Vic questions and answers
WorkCover (Vic) questions and answers. Here's a list of common asked WorkCover questions with answers. When to report a work related injury? If you suffer an injury, you should report the injury as soon as possible. It should be reported to your employer within 30...
14 things to consider before making a claim for workers compensation in Victoria
14 things to consider before making a claim for workers compensation in Victoria Before you lodge a WorkCover claim, there’s a number of things that you should consider. If you're wondering how to make a WorkCover claim, you can visit this page. Is a WorkCover claim...
WorkCover claim process
The WorkCover claim process in Victoria
All about WorkCover medical and like expenses in Victoria
All about WorkCover medical expenses Can I claim WorkCover medical expenses? If you have an accepted WorkCover claim, the WorkCover Insurer is liable to pay the reasonable cost of medical and like expenses. This is the case regardless as to whether or not the injury...
All about WorkCover medical panels in Victoria
All about WorkCover medical panels in Victoria Summary The medical panel is made up of a panel of doctors that have been asked to resolve a medical question or questions. Their job is to assess an injured worker, to consider any medical evidence and to provide a...
All about duty of care
All about duty of care in the workplace in Victoria Duty of care meaning A duty of care is a legal obligation to avoid doing something or failing to do something, that could possibly lead to the harm of another person. It’s a legal obligation that we all have to take...
What happens when my WorkCover matter goes to the Magistrates’ court?
What happens when my WorkCover matter goes to the Magistrates' court in Victoria?If you've been on WorkCover for long enough, at some point the WorkCover Insurer may make a decision that you disagree with. For example, they may stop paying for physiotherapy treatment...
All about WorkCover weekly payments in Victoria
All about WorkCover weekly payments WorkCover weekly payments are income payments paid to an injured worker if they have an accepted WorkCover claim, and their ability to work has been impacted by an injury. If you are unable to work or have a restricted work...
All about WorkCover stress claims
All about WorkCover stress claims in VictoriaDoes WorkCover cover stress leave? If you are suffering from a work related psychological injury or stress injury, you are able to lodge a WorkCover claim in Victoria. Can you claim workers compensation for stress? If you...
Employment entitlements and WorkCover
Your employment entitlements while on WorkCover Many people who are on WorkCover after an injury are unsure as to how their employment entitlements may/may not be impacted as a result of the WorkCover claim. Do you accrue annual leave while on workers compensation?...
All about WorkCover independent medical examinations in Victoria
All about WorkCover independent medical examinations A WorkCover independent medical examination involves undergoing a medical examination performed by an independent medical examiner (IME). WorkCover insurers arrange for injured workers to be assessed by IME’s from...
All about WorkCover Serious Injury Certificates
WorkCover Serious Injury certificates A WorkCover serious injury certificate is a document that certifies that an injured person has a 'serious injury'. The term serious injury is a legal definition. In addition to your no fault WorkCover entitlements of medical and...
Workcover Certificate of Capacity
WorkCover certificate of capacity What is a WorkCover certificate of capacity? A certificate of capacity is a document that describes your injury or illness. It provides an opinion on your capacity to work and any limitations that you have on performing your work...
WorkCover lump sum payments
WorkCover lump sum payments in Victoria Under the WorkCover scheme in Victoria, there's two potential lump sum payments that you may be able to access if you've been injured. The first is called an impairment benefit and the second is called a common law claim. This...
WorkCover conciliation form
WorkCover conciliation form You can get an electronic copy of the request for conciliation form by clicking here. Here are some tips on how to fill out the WorkCover request for conciliation form: Consider getting legal advice if you don't have a lawyer. If you do...
What is WorkSafe (or Work Safe)?
What is WorkSafe Victoria? If you’ve done any reading online about WorkCover, you have no doubt noticed that there are plenty of references to WorkSafe and to WorkCover. Is there any difference between the two? Is there anything you need to know to help you navigate...
Big changes are coming to the Fair Work Act for casual employees
Big changes are coming to the Fair Work Act for casual employees. Big changes are coming for casual workers across Australia due to employment law changes now in place under the pretext of helping job recovery and growth after the COVID-19 pandemic. The changes...
Allianz WorkCover
Allianz WorkCover insurer Allianz are an insurance company that has been appointed by WorkSafe to manage employers' WorkCover insurance and WorkCover claims for injured Workers. Allianz is reportedly the agent most used by employers in the Victorian WorkSafe scheme....
What you need to know about conciliation
WorkCover conciliation outcomes in Victoria: There's a number of possible outcomes following a WorkCover conciliation. Before going into detail about what they are (they're covered later on in this article), lets take a step back and talk about the conciliation...
I’ve been injured at work and I think my boss has lodged a WorkCover claim form for me but I’ve never seen it
I think a WorkCover claim has been lodged but I haven't seen it If you have not seen or signed a WorkCover claim form, then it is highly likely that you do not have an accepted work cover claim. The WorkCover claim form requires the injured worker to sign the form...
