Information about your entitlement to different types of compensation.
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Weekly payments
WorkSafe can pay weekly payments for accepted claims until you can return to pre-injury work or other work with similar earnings. You need a valid certificate of capacity covering your time off work to receive payments.
In most cases, your employer will pay weekly payments in the same way as your usual wages are paid.
Your weekly payments will be based on your pre-injury average weekly earnings. This is calculated using your base rate of pay and can include overtime and shift allowances.
Treatment expenses
If you have a work-related injury or illness, you may be compensated for the cost of your treatment.
WorkSafe can pay for the reasonable cost of approved services. Reasonable cost of treatment doesn’t necessarily mean full payment. There may be a gap between what the provider charges and what WorkSafe will cover. If they charge more, you'll have to pay the difference. You can ask your healthcare provider if there is a gap fee before you book an initial appointment.
You can access some services without a referral or initial approval from your agent. You can find out more about treatment expenses using the following link.
Provisional payments
If you have a work-related mental injury, you may be able to access early treatment and support for up to 13 weeks. While you wait for the outcome of your claim, you can make an appointment with a:
GP
psychologist
psychiatrist.
Early support can also include medications and travel costs.
You can access these even if your claim is ultimately rejected.
How to claim for reimbursements
WorkSafe prefers that your healthcare provider invoices your WorkSafe agent. Ask your agent for details about invoicing.
If you pay at the time of the service, send your receipt to your agent. You will be reimbursed within 30 days from the day your agent receives the receipt. You need to send receipts to your agent within 6 months of the treatment.
Permanent impairment 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. Your injury must have stabilised before an entitlement can be determined. This is usually at least 12 months after your date of injury.
An impairment benefit is separate to any payment for lost income and medical expenses. You need to meet certain thresholds to be eligible.
Examples of a permanent impairment can include:
reduced shoulder movement
a spinal cord injury
amputated finger.
Your agent can help you make an impairment benefit claim. You’ll need to have a medical assessment by a doctor called an Independent Impairment Assessor.
Superannuation payments
You might be entitled to superannuation contributions on top of your weekly payments after 52 weeks of weekly payments. You need to meet certain eligibility criteria.
Your agent will let you know if you’re eligible. They will also organise payment into your superannuation fund. You can nominate a fund by sending a ‘Choice of superannuation fund’ form to your agent.
Entitlements following a work-related death
WorkSafe can support family members of people who have died because of a work-related injury or illness. This includes financial compensation and a range of expenses. Expenses include:
ambulance
hospital and treatment
burial or cremation
family counselling.
Lump sum payments or weekly pensions may be available for dependent partners and children. In cases of financial hardship, non-dependent family members can be reimbursement for expenses.
Claim for damages
If you have a work-related injury or illness, you might have the right to sue your employer for damages. You should seek legal advice if you want to do this.
WorkSafe Victoria
WorkSafe Victoria
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