About the benefit
If your work-related injury or illness resulted in a permanent impairment, you may be entitled to a lump sum payment. This is called an impairment benefit.
This payment is separate from any payment for lost income and medical expenses. You need to meet certain thresholds to be eligible.
Examples of a permanent impairment include:
- reduced shoulder movement
- a spinal cord injury
- amputated finger.
Your WorkSafe agent can help you make an impairment benefit claim. You can receive a benefit for a specific impairment only once during your claim.
You don't need legal representation to make an impairment benefit claim, but you have the right to legal representation if you choose. If you choose legal representation, your WorkSafe agent will liaise with your lawyer about your impairment benefit claim. Any legal costs you may incur are not covered by WorkSafe.
WorkSafe has a set of impairment benefit protocols. They are set of agreements on the management of impairment claims. They allow legal representatives to get information and be reimbursed by WorkSafe. WorkSafe also pays a fee to your legal representative for using these protocols.
Impairment assessment
To be eligible for an impairment benefit your injury or illness must be stable. This is usually at least 12 months after your date of injury. It must then be properly assessed. Assessments are done by doctors called Independent Impairment Assessors. They are trained to assess injuries according to guidelines specified under the legislation.