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.Commonwealth Schemes (Comcare, Seacare, DVA)
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 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
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
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
Financial counsellingFree Verified
National Debt Helpline
Free, confidential, independent financial counselling to help with debts, bills and hardship.
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.