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
What happens if I suffer another injury?Commonwealth Schemes (Comcare, Seacare, DVA)
In one sentence
A new injury, an aggravation, or a condition caused by your original injury may each be claimable.
Your next steps
- 1Tell your employer and insurer about the new injury in writing.
- 2Ask your doctor to document the cause.
- 3Lodge a new claim form if required.
- 4Get advice if the insurer says it is 'pre-existing'.
- 5Contact Comcare (1300 366 979) for free information about how the Commonwealth scheme applies to you.
- 6If you disagree with a decision — Request reconsideration by Comcare or your employer, then apply to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART).
- 7Watch the time limits — Reconsideration requests generally must be made within 30 days of receiving the decision.
- 8Consider getting independent legal advice before signing anything or accepting a settlement.
How Commonwealth works
- Weekly payments
- Incapacity payments are based on normal weekly earnings, stepping down over time, and can continue until pension age in some cases.
- Medical expenses
- Reasonable medical treatment costs are covered for accepted conditions.
- Permanent impairment
- Permanent impairment compensation is generally available at 10% WPI or more (lower for some injuries such as fingers, toes, taste and smell).
- Free legal help
- Unions, Legal Aid and ex-service organisation advocates (for DVA) can help. Open Arms supports veterans and families: 1800 011 046.
Questions you may have
I had a bad back before. Can I still claim?
Often yes, if work aggravated, accelerated or worsened the condition. The rules vary by scheme.
Do I need a new claim form?
For a new injury, usually yes. For a consequential condition, ask the insurer how they want it notified, and put it in writing.
What if I change employers?
Injuries with a new employer usually go to that employer's insurer. Disputes about which employer is responsible are common — get advice.
Support available to you
Government agencies & regulatorsFree Verified
Comcare
Commonwealth workers' compensation scheme — claims information and reconsiderations.
Covers: Cwlth
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
Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA)
Compensation, rehabilitation and support for current and former ADF members.
Covers: Cwlth
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
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.