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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.Victoria
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 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 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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Victoria Legal Aid
Free legal help line and referrals for Victorians.
Covers: VIC
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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.