How to Lodge a WorkCover Claim in NSW

Notify Your Employer

The first step is to notify your employer of your injury as soon as reasonably practicable. Under section 254 of the Workplace Injury Management and Workers Compensation Act 1998, you must give notice of injury to your employer. This can be verbal or written, but written notification creates a clear record. Include the date of injury, how it happened, and the nature of your injury.

Your employer must not discourage you from making a claim or penalise you for doing so. If your employer refuses to lodge a claim, contact icare or SIRA directly.

Employer Lodges the Claim

Once notified, your employer is required to submit the claim to their workers compensation insurer. The employer completes a claim form and submits it along with any supporting documentation. The employer has 5 business days to forward a claim to their insurer after receiving it.

Insurer Assigns a Claim Number

The insurer will acknowledge the claim and assign a claim number. This number is used for all medical appointments, treatment, and correspondence. Keep this number accessible — you will need it for every Claims Doctor consultation.

See a Doctor

You need a medical consultation to have your injury assessed and documented. This is where Claims Doctor comes in. You can book a same-day telehealth consultation, and your doctor will assess your injury and issue your Certificate of Capacity during the call.

Certificate of Capacity

Your doctor issues a Certificate of Capacity that documents your diagnosis, work capacity, treatment recommendations, and return-to-work plan. This certificate is sent to you, your employer, and your insurer. It is the foundation of your claim.

Weekly Payments Begin

Once your insurer has your claim and Certificate of Capacity, they begin processing your weekly payments. The insurer has 21 days to accept or deny the claim. During this provisional period, they are required to commence weekly payments and approve reasonably necessary medical treatment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Delaying notification: The longer you wait, the harder it is to establish the link between work and injury.
• Not getting a certificate promptly: Weekly payments cannot begin without a Certificate of Capacity.
• Using a doctor unfamiliar with WorkCover: Incomplete certificates cause delays and rejections. Claims Doctor specialises in SIRA-compliant documentation.
• Not keeping records: Save copies of all certificates, correspondence, and medical reports.
• Letting your certificate lapse: If it expires without renewal, your payments may be suspended.