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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 injury may be permanent.Queensland
In one sentence
A permanent injury may entitle you to a lump-sum payment, but timing and thresholds differ between schemes.
Your next steps
- 1Ask your treating doctor if your condition has stabilised.
- 2Find out your scheme's impairment thresholds (see your state page).
- 3Talk to a lawyer about lump sum and common law options — many offer a free first consultation.
- 4Check your super for TPD cover.
- 5Contact Workers' Compensation Regulator (Office of Industrial Relations) (1300 362 128) for free information about how the QLD scheme applies to you.
- 6If you disagree with a decision — The Workers' Compensation Regulator conducts reviews of insurer decisions, with appeals to the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission.
- 7Watch the time limits — Claims must generally be lodged within 6 months of the injury.
- 8Consider getting independent legal advice before signing anything or accepting a settlement.
How QLD works
- Weekly payments
- Generally a percentage of normal weekly earnings, stepping down at 26 weeks, for up to 5 years in total or until a benefit cap is reached.
- Medical expenses
- Reasonable medical treatment, hospital, rehabilitation and travel costs are generally covered while your claim is open.
- Permanent impairment
- If you have a permanent impairment, you receive a Degree of Permanent Impairment (DPI) assessment and may be offered a statutory lump sum.
- Free legal help
- Unions, Legal Aid Queensland and community legal centres can help. The Regulator provides free information.
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
Community & free legal servicesFree Verified
Community Legal Centres Australia
Find a free community legal centre near you anywhere in Australia.
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Fair Work Ombudsman
Information about workplace rights, dismissal and pay. Fair Work Commission deals with unfair dismissal and bullying applications.
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Services Australia – Disability, Sickness and Carers
Centrelink line for the Disability Support Pension, sickness-related payments and carers.
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WorkSafe Queensland / Workers' Compensation Regulator
Information and independent reviews of insurer decisions in Queensland.
Covers: QLD
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.