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 WorkCover payments have stopped.New South Wales
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 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
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.
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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
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.