Government agencies & regulatorsFree Verified
Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA)
Free, independent complaints service for disputes with super funds and insurers, including TPD and income protection.
Covers: National
What applies to me?
Your plain-English action plan
Step 1 · Your situation
Step 2 · Your state or scheme
Step 3 · Your next steps
I cannot return to work.Australian Capital Territory
In one sentence
Your employer usually has duties to help you return to suitable work — and if you can't, other entitlements may open up.
Your next steps
- 1Ask your doctor to clearly record your work restrictions.
- 2Request a copy of your return-to-work plan.
- 3Check your super fund statements for TPD and income protection cover.
- 4Speak with a lawyer or advocate about long-term options before resigning.
- 5Contact WorkSafe ACT (13 22 81) for free information about how the ACT scheme applies to you.
- 6If you disagree with a decision — Disputes can be referred to conciliation and arbitration, and proceedings may be brought in the ACT Magistrates Court.
- 7Watch the time limits — Claims should be made as soon as possible.
- 8Consider getting independent legal advice before signing anything or accepting a settlement.
How ACT works
- Weekly payments
- Based on pre-incapacity weekly earnings, stepping down after 26 weeks, and generally continuing while you have reduced capacity until retirement age.
- Medical expenses
- Reasonable medical and related treatment costs are covered.
- Permanent impairment
- Lump sums for permanent loss or impairment are payable based on a table of maims or a WPI assessment.
- Free legal help
- Legal Aid ACT, unions and community legal centres can help.
Questions you may have
What are suitable duties?
Work that suits your medical restrictions, skills and experience. It can be different hours, tasks or locations from your normal job.
My employer says there is no work for me. What now?
Depending on your scheme, the insurer may need to provide vocational help, and weekly payments may continue. Ask your regulator or a legal service.
Could I be entitled to TPD?
If you are unlikely to ever work again in a job suited to your education, training or experience, you may be eligible for TPD under insurance in your super. It is a separate claim.
Support available to you
Advocacy & peer supportMembership Verified
Australian Unions – Join or Get Help
Unions can provide advice, advocacy and referrals for members injured at work.
Covers: National
Government agencies & regulatorsFree Verified
Fair Work Ombudsman
Information about workplace rights, dismissal and pay. Fair Work Commission deals with unfair dismissal and bullying applications.
Covers: National
Government agencies & regulatorsFree Verified
Services Australia – Disability, Sickness and Carers
Centrelink line for the Disability Support Pension, sickness-related payments and carers.
Covers: National
Government agencies & regulatorsFree Verified
WorkSafe ACT
ACT work health and safety and workers compensation regulator.
Covers: ACT
General information only. Rules change and depend on your circumstances. Check with your regulator or get independent legal, financial or medical advice about your situation.