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.Western Australia
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 WorkCover WA (1300 794 744) for free information about how the WA scheme applies to you.
- 6If you disagree with a decision — WorkCover WA's Conciliation and Arbitration Services handles disputes.
- 7Watch the time limits — Claims should be made as soon as possible.
- 8Consider getting independent legal advice before signing anything or accepting a settlement.
How WA works
- Weekly payments
- Based on pre-injury earnings, with a step-down after 13 weeks for some workers, and limited by a prescribed amount.
- Medical expenses
- Reasonable medical and related expenses are covered up to a prescribed limit, with extensions available in some cases.
- Permanent impairment
- Lump sums are payable for permanent impairment based on an approved medical specialist's assessment.
- Free legal help
- WorkCover WA's advisory service, unions and community legal centres provide information and assistance.
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
WorkCover WA Advisory Services
Free information for WA workers, plus Conciliation and Arbitration Services for disputes.
Covers: WA
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.