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
My injury may be permanent.Australian Capital Territory
In one sentence
A permanent injury may entitle you to a lump-sum payment, but timing and thresholds differ between schemes.
Your next steps
- 1Ask your treating doctor if your condition has stabilised.
- 2Find out your scheme's impairment thresholds (see your state page).
- 3Talk to a lawyer about lump sum and common law options — many offer a free first consultation.
- 4Check your super for TPD cover.
- 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 is WPI?
Whole Person Impairment — a percentage that measures how much your injury affects your body or mind as a whole, using medical guidelines.
Who arranges the assessment?
It depends on the scheme. Sometimes the insurer, sometimes you or your lawyer, and sometimes an independent body.
Can I get a lump sum and still receive weekly payments?
In some schemes, yes. In others, receiving certain lump sums ends weekly payments. Get advice before deciding.
Support available to you
Community & free legal servicesFree Verified
Community Legal Centres Australia
Find a free community legal centre near you anywhere in Australia.
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.