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
I cannot return to work.Northern Territory
In one sentence
Your employer usually has duties to help you return to suitable work — and if you can't, other entitlements may open up.
Your next steps
- 1Ask your doctor to clearly record your work restrictions.
- 2Request a copy of your return-to-work plan.
- 3Check your super fund statements for TPD and income protection cover.
- 4Speak with a lawyer or advocate about long-term options before resigning.
- 5Contact NT WorkSafe (1800 019 115) for free information about how the NT scheme applies to you.
- 6If you disagree with a decision — Disputes go to mediation first, then the Work Health 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 NT works
- Weekly payments
- Based on normal weekly earnings for the first 26 weeks, then a reduced percentage, with caps that depend on your circumstances.
- Medical expenses
- Reasonable costs of medical, surgical and rehabilitation treatment are covered.
- Permanent impairment
- Lump sum compensation is generally available for permanent impairment of 5% WPI or more.
- Free legal help
- NT Legal Aid, unions and community legal centres can help.
Questions you may have
What are suitable duties?
Work that suits your medical restrictions, skills and experience. It can be different hours, tasks or locations from your normal job.
My employer says there is no work for me. What now?
Depending on your scheme, the insurer may need to provide vocational help, and weekly payments may continue. Ask your regulator or a legal service.
Could I be entitled to TPD?
If you are unlikely to ever work again in a job suited to your education, training or experience, you may be eligible for TPD under insurance in your super. It is a separate 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
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
NT WorkSafe
Northern Territory regulator — information about the Return to Work scheme.
Covers: NT
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.