What benefits does the WorkCover insurer pay?
Our People:
Medical Expenses
You can claim all of your reasonable medical expenses including bills for doctors, medication, hospital, physiotherapy, chiropractic and many other types of treatment.
In some cases the Insurer can pay for home help or modifications to your home or car.
You can claim travelling expenses for visiting treating or workcover doctors.
Weekly Payments
Different methods of calculating weekly payments for time off work apply depending on your date of injury and are subject to a statutory maximum amount. The calculation takes account of your pre injury earnings which for a limited period can include shift and overtime allowances. For most current claims the following applies:-
If you cannot work you are entitled (subject to a maximum amount) to:
1. For the first 13 weeks - 95% of your pre-injury average weekly earnings.
2. For 14 weeks to 130 weeks - 80% of your pre-injury average weekly earnings.
3. After 130 weeks - 80% of your pre-injury average weekly earnings if you have no current work capacity which is likely to continue indefinitely.
If you can do some work you are entitled (subject to a maximum amount):
1. For the first 13 weeks - 95% of your pre-injury average weekly earnings less current weekly earnings; or
if you have not returned to work because there are no suitable duties - 95% of your pre-injury earnings.
2. For 14 weeks to 130 weeks if you have returned to work - 80% of your pre-injury average weekly earnings less 80% of your current weekly earnings; or
if you have not returned to work because there are no suitable duties - 80% of your pre-injury average weekly earnings.
3. After 130 weeks you can apply to WorkSafe Victoria for weekly payments to continue if:
- You have returned to work.
- You are working at least 15 hours a week.
- You are earning at least a prescribed minimum amount a week.
- You are incapable indefinitely of doing more work to increase your earnings.
In some circumstances you may be entitled to weekly payments for a period of 13 weeks following surgery.
All weekly payments are dependent upon you:
(a) making reasonable efforts to participate in rehabilitation and accepting reasonable offers from the employer to return to work in suitable employment; and
(b) attending the insurer’s doctors and/or rehabilitation providers for assessment.
Superannuation Contributions
Superannuation contributions are payable after 52 weeks and continuing while you are in receipt of weekly payments until age 65.
Galbally & O’Bryan can advise you in relation to your compensation entitlements.
How to contact our Office
Melbourne Office
259 William Street
MELBOURNE VIC 3000
T (03) 9200 2533
E enquiries@galballyobryan.com.au
Dandenong Office
Shop 9/147-151 Foster Street
DANDENONG VIC 3175
T (03) 9769 2510
E dandenong@galballyobryan.com.au
Pakenham Office
Shop 1, 15 John Street
PAKENHAM VIC 3810
T (03) 5941 7990
E pakenham@galballyobryan.com.au