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 WorkCover payments have stopped.Victoria
In one sentence
Payments can stop for many reasons — some can be challenged, and there are often strict time limits to act.
Your next steps
- 1Find the insurer's letter and write down the review deadline.
- 2Ask your doctor for an updated certificate that reflects your real capacity.
- 3Contact a free legal service or regulator about whether the decision can be challenged.
- 4Call the National Debt Helpline (1800 007 007) if bills are building up.
- 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
Can the insurer just stop paying me?
Insurers usually have to follow notice rules and give reasons. If they did not, or you disagree with the reasons, you can generally ask for a review or lodge a dispute.
What is a step-down?
Many schemes reduce weekly payments after a set number of weeks (for example 13 or 26 weeks). This is a planned reduction, not a penalty, but it should still be calculated correctly.
Will my medical bills still be paid?
Often yes, for a period. Medical entitlements are usually separate from weekly payments. Ask your insurer in writing.
Support available to you
Community & free legal servicesFree Verified
Community Legal Centres Australia
Find a free community legal centre near you anywhere in Australia.
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
Financial counsellingFree Verified
National Debt Helpline
Free, confidential, independent financial counselling to help with debts, bills and hardship.
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.