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.
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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
I've been injured at work. What happens next?Victoria
In one sentence
Report the injury, see your own doctor, and lodge a claim as soon as you can — delays can affect your rights.
Your next steps
- 1Report the injury to your employer in writing and keep a copy.
- 2Book an appointment with your own GP and ask for a workers' compensation certificate.
- 3Complete and lodge the claim form for your scheme.
- 4Keep a diary of symptoms, appointments, costs and phone calls.
- 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
Do I have to prove it was my employer's fault?
Usually no. Workers' compensation is mostly no-fault. Fault can matter later if you consider a common law (negligence) claim.
What if I am a casual or a contractor?
Many casual workers are covered. Contractors may or may not be covered depending on the real nature of the working relationship and your state's laws. Ask your regulator.
Can my employer sack me for making a claim?
Most schemes have protections against being dismissed because of a work injury, especially in the first months. Fair Work laws may also protect you. Get advice quickly if this happens.
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.
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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.
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.