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.
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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 workers' compensation claim has been rejected.New South Wales
In one sentence
A rejection is not always the final word — most schemes have review and dispute steps, often with short deadlines.
Your next steps
- 1Write the review deadline on your calendar today.
- 2Request the insurer's file and reports in writing.
- 3Ask your doctor for a report linking your injury to work.
- 4Contact a free legal service or workers' compensation lawyer.
- 5Contact State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) (13 10 50) for free information about how the NSW scheme applies to you.
- 6If you disagree with a decision — Personal Injury Commission (PIC) handles disputes.
- 7Watch the time limits — Claims should be made within 6 months of the injury, though late claims may be accepted in some circumstances.
- 8Consider getting independent legal advice before signing anything or accepting a settlement.
How NSW works
- Weekly payments
- Based on pre-injury average weekly earnings (PIAWE). Payments step down after 13 weeks and are reviewed after 130 weeks. Payments usually end at 260 weeks unless you have more than 20% WPI.
- Medical expenses
- Reasonably necessary medical treatment is generally covered, with time limits linked to your impairment level and how long weekly payments were received.
- Permanent impairment
- A lump sum is generally available for more than 10% WPI (physical) or at least 15% WPI (psychological). Only one assessment is usually allowed.
- Free legal help
- The Independent Review Office (IRO) funds approved lawyers through the Independent Legal Assistance and Review Service (ILARS) — free to the worker for many disputes. IRO: 13 94 76.
Questions you may have
How long do I have to dispute?
It varies by scheme and decision type. Check your decision letter and your state page, and act quickly.
Can I get the insurer's reports?
In most schemes you can request the information the insurer relied on. Put the request in writing.
Can I claim Centrelink while I dispute?
Often yes, but you may need to repay it from any compensation you later receive. Tell Centrelink about your 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
Community & free legal servicesFree Verified
Community Legal Centres Australia
Find a free community legal centre near you anywhere in Australia.
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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
Community & free legal servicesFree Verified
Independent Review Office (IRO)
Free complaints and enquiries service for NSW injured workers, and funded legal help through ILARS.
Covers: NSW
Community & free legal servicesFree Verified
Legal Aid NSW
Free legal information and advice, including employment and some injury-related matters.
Covers: NSW
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.