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.Victoria
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 WorkSafe Victoria (1800 136 089) for free information about how the VIC scheme applies to you.
- 6If you disagree with a decision — The Workplace Injury Commission (formerly ACCS) provides free conciliation, and disputes can proceed to court.
- 7Watch the time limits — Report your injury to your employer within 30 days where possible and lodge a claim as soon as possible.
- 8Consider getting independent legal advice before signing anything or accepting a settlement.
How VIC works
- Weekly payments
- Generally 95% of pre-injury average weekly earnings for the first 13 weeks, then 80% up to 130 weeks. Beyond 130 weeks payments continue only if you have no current work capacity likely to continue indefinitely.
- Medical expenses
- Reasonable medical and like services are covered, usually up to 52 weeks after weekly payments end, with longer periods in some cases.
- Permanent impairment
- Impairment benefits are generally available at 10% WPI or more for physical injuries and 30% or more for psychiatric injuries (5% for some spinal injuries).
- Free legal help
- Unions, Victoria Legal Aid and community legal centres can help. WorkSafe Victoria provides information to workers.
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
Services Australia – Disability, Sickness and Carers
Centrelink line for the Disability Support Pension, sickness-related payments and carers.
Covers: National
Government agencies & regulatorsFree Verified
WorkSafe Victoria Advisory Service
Information for Victorian injured workers about claims, payments and return to work.
Covers: VIC
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.