What to do when your workers comp ends but you can’t go back to work
If at the end of your workers’ compensation claim, you are not able to return to your work with the employer, you should contact Centrelink as soon as possible to register for Newstart or Disability or Sickness Benefits.
Alternatively, you may hold disability insurances attached to your superannuation or through other private insurance. You should make enquiries with these entities as to whether you have a claim for income payments if unable to work due to your injuries.
What If I have no money and am suffering severe financial hardship?
Workcover is not obligated to find you alternate employment
What happens at the end of your workers’ compensation claim?
The workers’ compensation insurer may issue you with a Notice of Assessment setting out an impairment assessment for your work injury. If assessed at more than a 0% impairment, you will also be offered a lump sum payment for your work injury.
If your degree of permanent impairment stated in the Notice of Assessment is 20% or more, you can take the lump sum offer (for the injuries assessed at 20% or more only) and still make a common law claim
However, if the assessment of permanent impairment is less than 20%, you cannot both accept the offer and make a common law claim, you must choose.
Dealing with Workcover on the fine details can be tricky – feel free to contact us to discuss your claim. This is confidential and cost free.
