How Long does Workcover Payments Last?

If your claim is accepted because you are unable to work due to illness or injury you’re probably wondering how long does Workcover payments last for before being cut off? If that’s the case, you have come to the right place. This page has been written specifically for those who are currently receiving weekly benefits.

Did you know that most people on weekly payments are unaware that they are also eligible for a lump sum payout? 

WorkCover weekly payments

Your employer is required by law to pay you weekly WorkCover payments on your usual payday and in the usual manner. In fact, if an employer fails to do so, they may be subject to penalties in line with the provisions laid out in relevant legislation. How long your WorkCover payments last for depends on whether you work under an award agreement or not. 

An award is an enforceable document containing minimum terms and conditions of employment in addition to any legislated minimum terms.

Employees under an industrial award

Will receive for the first 13 weeks:

• the rate of payments payable under your industrial award.
• any over-award or service payment paid to you regularly.
• Overtime bonuses and allowances paid to you over the 13 weeks prior to becoming injured or ill.

Will receive from 14 weeks onwards:

• you will receive the rate of the weekly WorkCover payments payable under your industrial award.
• you will receive any over-award or service payment paid to you regularly.
• you will receive any allowances as prescribed by the regulations.
• you will not receive additional allowances, overtime or bonuses.

Are you not being paid your full entitlements? Why not call us for a quick chat with one of our WorkCover experts.

Employees not under an industrial award

Will receive for the first 13 weeks:

• you will receive an average of your normal wages (including overtime, bonuses and allowances) paid to you over the 12 months prior to becoming injured or ill, and in the employment in which you became injured or ill.
• if you have been employed for less than twelve months, your earnings will be equated over the time you have been there.

Will receive from 14 weeks onwards:

• 85 per cent of your average weekly earnings.

Did you know our legal panel handle WC matters on a no win no fee basis?

When weekly WorkCover payments stop

Depending on your individual circumstances your payments may stop or be reduced when:

• you return to work
• you’re happy for them to stop
• the workers’ comp doctor has recommended you are able to return to work full or minimised capacity
• you claim has been settled
• you register to pursue a common law claim
• you have reached the maximum limit on your entitlement to weekly payments.

Alternatively, your employer may lodge an application with the Workers’ Compensation Conciliation Service to suspend your WorkCover payments if you:

• have not complied with your Return to Work Program
• failed to attend a medical assessment arranged by your employer or their insurer.

This page is recommended and written for workers compensation claimants in WA. Workers in NSW, VIC, QLD, ACT, NT and SA may not have the same legal rights. For advice and guidance call us free on 1800 106 107.

• Workers Compensation