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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.
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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 injury may be permanent.South Australia
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 ReturnToWorkSA (13 18 55) for free information about how the SA scheme applies to you.
- 6If you disagree with a decision — The South Australian Employment Tribunal (SAET) handles disputes, starting with conciliation.
- 7Watch the time limits — Disputes generally must be lodged within 1 month of the decision.
- 8Consider getting independent legal advice before signing anything or accepting a settlement.
How SA works
- Weekly payments
- Generally paid for up to 2 years (104 weeks) after the injury, with a step-down after 52 weeks. 'Seriously injured workers' (30% WPI or more) may receive payments until retirement age.
- Medical expenses
- Reasonable medical costs are generally covered for 12 months after weekly payments end, unless you are a seriously injured worker.
- Permanent impairment
- Lump sums for non-economic and economic loss are generally available at 5% WPI or more for physical injuries. Psychiatric injuries generally do not attract a lump sum except as a seriously injured worker.
- Free legal help
- Some legal costs may be covered under the Act. Unions, Legal Services Commission SA and community legal centres can help.
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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ReturnToWorkSA
South Australia's return to work scheme — information about claims and support.
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Government agencies & regulatorsFree Verified
Services Australia – Disability, Sickness and Carers
Centrelink line for the Disability Support Pension, sickness-related payments and carers.
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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.