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What applies to me?

Your plain-English action plan

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My injury may be permanent.Northern Territory

In one sentence

A permanent injury may entitle you to a lump-sum payment, but timing and thresholds differ between schemes.

Your next steps

  1. 1Ask your treating doctor if your condition has stabilised.
  2. 2Find out your scheme's impairment thresholds (see your state page).
  3. 3Talk to a lawyer about lump sum and common law options — many offer a free first consultation.
  4. 4Check your super for TPD cover.
  5. 5Contact NT WorkSafe (1800 019 115) for free information about how the NT scheme applies to you.
  6. 6If you disagree with a decision — Disputes go to mediation first, then the Work Health Court.
  7. 7Watch the time limits — Claims should be made as soon as possible.
  8. 8Consider getting independent legal advice before signing anything or accepting a settlement.
Check a deadline

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.
Read the full NT guide →

Questions you may have

What is WPI?

Whole Person Impairment — a percentage that measures how much your injury affects your body or mind as a whole, using medical guidelines.

Who arranges the assessment?

It depends on the scheme. Sometimes the insurer, sometimes you or your lawyer, and sometimes an independent body.

Can I get a lump sum and still receive weekly payments?

In some schemes, yes. In others, receiving certain lump sums ends weekly payments. Get advice before deciding.

Support available to you

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

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

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.