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 WorkCover payments have stopped.Australian Capital Territory
In one sentence
Payments can stop for many reasons — some can be challenged, and there are often strict time limits to act.
Your next steps
- 1Find the insurer's letter and write down the review deadline.
- 2Ask your doctor for an updated certificate that reflects your real capacity.
- 3Contact a free legal service or regulator about whether the decision can be challenged.
- 4Call the National Debt Helpline (1800 007 007) if bills are building up.
- 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
Can the insurer just stop paying me?
Insurers usually have to follow notice rules and give reasons. If they did not, or you disagree with the reasons, you can generally ask for a review or lodge a dispute.
What is a step-down?
Many schemes reduce weekly payments after a set number of weeks (for example 13 or 26 weeks). This is a planned reduction, not a penalty, but it should still be calculated correctly.
Will my medical bills still be paid?
Often yes, for a period. Medical entitlements are usually separate from weekly payments. Ask your insurer in writing.
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
Financial counsellingFree Verified
National Debt Helpline
Free, confidential, independent financial counselling to help with debts, bills and hardship.
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.