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
My workers' compensation claim has been rejected.Victoria
In one sentence
A rejection is not always the final word — most schemes have review and dispute steps, often with short deadlines.
Your next steps
- 1Write the review deadline on your calendar today.
- 2Request the insurer's file and reports in writing.
- 3Ask your doctor for a report linking your injury to work.
- 4Contact a free legal service or workers' compensation lawyer.
- 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
How long do I have to dispute?
It varies by scheme and decision type. Check your decision letter and your state page, and act quickly.
Can I get the insurer's reports?
In most schemes you can request the information the insurer relied on. Put the request in writing.
Can I claim Centrelink while I dispute?
Often yes, but you may need to repay it from any compensation you later receive. Tell Centrelink about your 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
Community & free legal servicesFree Verified
Community Legal Centres Australia
Find a free community legal centre near you anywhere in Australia.
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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
Community & free legal servicesFree Verified
Victoria Legal Aid
Free legal help line and referrals for Victorians.
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.