Workers compensation QLD: WorkCover claims, payments & employer obligations
A simple, practical guide for Queensland small business owners (and injured workers)
Updated 21 Jan 2026 • Queensland scheme info current as of publication • Benefits can vary by injury date
Written by
Steve Harris
This guide provides general information about Queensland's workers' compensation scheme and related workplace laws as at the date of publication.
It does not constitute legal, financial, insurance, payroll, HR, or medical advice and should not be relied on as a substitute for advice specific to your business, workforce, or circumstances.
Workers' compensation rules can change (including through legislative updates) and benefit calculations depend on details like injury date, earnings history, and industrial instruments. Always check the latest official guidance and get professional advice where needed.
No liability: RosterElf Pty Ltd, its directors, employees, and authors expressly disclaim any and all liability for any loss, damage, cost, or expense (whether direct, indirect, consequential, or otherwise) arising from or in connection with reliance on the information in this guide.
Quick summary for time-poor owners
If you only skim one section, make it this.
- Queensland's workers' compensation scheme is set by the Workers' Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003 and the Workers' Compensation and Rehabilitation Regulation 2025.
- The scheme is designed to provide income support, payment for permanent impairment or death, and payment for reasonable treatment and related expenses for work-related injuries and illnesses.
- Most employers are insured through WorkCover Queensland. Some large organisations are licensed self-insurers and manage claims directly.
- Most common claim type: strain and sprain injuries are the biggest category, accounting for 27.4% of injuries lodged in 2023–24.
- If a worker is injured, they usually need to see a doctor and get a work capacity certificate, and lodge a claim (online, phone, or form). Claims usually need to be made within 6 months after first seeing a doctor about the injury or illness.
- Insurers typically decide claims within 20 business days (they'll contact you if it takes longer).
- Weekly payments are based on normal weekly earnings (and can reference QOTE). The payment rate changes depending on how long the worker has been off work.
Workers' compensation vs WorkCover vs WorkSafe
These terms get mixed up all the time
Understanding the difference between workers' compensation, WorkCover, and WorkSafe is critical for navigating the Queensland system.
Workers' compensation (the "scheme")
This is the Queensland system that sets the rules for:
- insurance coverage,
- claim entitlements (weekly payments + medical and rehab),
- permanent impairment and lump sums,
- return-to-work obligations,
- reviews and appeals.
WorkCover queensland (the "insurer" for most employers)
WorkCover Queensland is the main insurer that:
- provides accident insurance policies to most employers, and
- manages workers' compensation claims (unless an employer is self-insured).
WorkSafe.qld.gov.au (the "official information hub")
WorkSafe.qld.gov.au is the official Queensland Government website that provides guidance on:
- claims, payments and support,
- employer insurance obligations,
- self-insurance,
- review and appeal processes.
Who is covered in queensland
Employers: who must be insured?
If you employ workers in Queensland, you must insure them against work-related injury or illness (typically via WorkCover accident insurance, unless you're a licensed self-insurer).
Also important
- If you're a sole trader, director, or partner of your own business, you may not be treated as a "worker" for cover under your business's policy (optional personal cover may be available).
- Unpaid interns are considered workers under Queensland workers' compensation laws and must be covered.
Workers: who can make a claim?
A workers' compensation claim generally requires:
- that you are a "worker" under the Act, and
- that work was a significant contributing factor to the injury.
Self-insured employers (special case)
If the employer is licensed as a self-insurer, the worker generally needs to lodge their claim with the employer's workers' compensation unit (not WorkCover). WorkSafe publishes a list of self-insured employers.
What injuries and illnesses are covered
Queensland workers' compensation can cover many types of work-related injuries and illnesses, including psychological injury, aggravations, and certain diseases (the key test is whether work significantly contributed).
Common exclusions and watch-outs
- Injuries or illnesses that are not work-related,
- Some psychological injuries linked to reasonable management action taken reasonably,
- Injuries caused by serious and wilful misconduct,
- Intentionally self-inflicted injuries,
- Certain travel-related injuries where there were major deviations or interruptions.
Step-by-step: how to claim workers' compensation in QLD
1 Get medical help and a work capacity certificate
The practical first step is to see a doctor for assessment and ask for a work capacity certificate if you're unable to work (or have reduced capacity).
2 Notify your employer ASAP (and record the incident)
From an employer perspective, this is where good process matters:
- record what happened,
- capture witnesses (if any),
- note the date, time, and location,
- keep a clear paper trail.
3 Lodge the claim with the right insurer
Claims can be lodged in several ways (e.g., online, phone, or using forms). Employers can also start the process with the worker's consent in some cases.
Time limit: claims usually need to be lodged within 6 months after the worker first consulted a doctor about the injury or illness.
4 Employer reporting (don't miss the admin deadlines)
WorkSafe guidance notes that employers should report a work-related injury or illness to WorkCover within 8 days of becoming aware.
5 Claim decision and information gathering
Insurers typically decide claims within 20 business days. The insurer may speak with the worker and gather information from the employer, doctor, and any witnesses.
If the claim decision takes longer, the worker should be told why, and in some cases a worker can ask the Regulator to review the reasons for delay.
6 Return-to-work planning starts early
If the claim is accepted:
- the insurer and employer must support rehabilitation and return-to-work, and
- a return-to-work plan must be in place within 10 business days of the claim being accepted (per the scheme information statement).
How much does WorkCover pay in QLD?
Weekly payments are not a flat amount. They're calculated using:
- the worker's normal weekly earnings (NWE), and sometimes
- a comparison to amounts tied to industrial instruments and/or Queensland Ordinary Time Earnings (QOTE).
Weekly compensation (high-level rules)
WorkSafe's guidance (for injuries after 1 January 2008) outlines these broad stages:
| Time period | Payment rate (generally) |
|---|---|
| Up to 26 weeks | Greater of 85% of NWE or amount under industrial instrument (capped at NWE) |
| 26 to 104 weeks | Greater of 75% of NWE or 70% of QOTE |
| After 104 weeks | Entitlement depends on assessed degree of permanent impairment |
Employer excess (big "gotcha")
If excess applies, the first week of compensation is generally paid by the employer (as the "employer excess"). This catches many small businesses off guard.
How long can weekly payments last?
Weekly payments can stop for reasons such as:
- the worker returns to work and is no longer entitled,
- a lump sum is paid in some circumstances,
- the worker reaches maximum statutory limits (including time limits referenced by WorkSafe guidance).
Tax and super (common payroll confusion)
WorkSafe's guidance notes:
- tax may be withheld from weekly payments, and
- super is not deducted from the weekly payment (but separate super obligations may still apply depending on circumstances).
Payments beyond wages: medical, rehab, travel, lump sums
Medical, rehab, and related expenses
If the worker needs time off, they may receive income assistance and may be reimbursed for reasonable medical, rehabilitation, travel or other expenses connected to the claim.
Travel and other costs
WorkSafe guidance explains WorkCover may reimburse claim-related costs like travel for treatment or appointments, subject to "necessary and reasonable" and pre-approval requirements.
Examples of what may be reimbursed (subject to conditions) include:
- travel for treatment or assessment appointments,
- parking,
- meals for full-day or overnight travel (limits apply),
- chemist or medication costs.
Examples of what may not be covered include:
- one-way trips under 20 km, and
- choosing a more distant provider when a closer one is available.
Lump sum payments (permanent impairment)
If a work-related injury or disease results in permanent impairment, the worker may be eligible for "lump sum compensation" (a one-time payment).
WorkSafe guidance also notes:
- the impairment percentage is assessed, and that percentage is used to calculate any offer,
- if impairment is less than 20%, the worker generally needs to choose between accepting the lump sum or pursuing common law damages,
- if impairment is 20% or more, a worker may be able to accept the lump sum and also pursue common law damages.
Common law claims (damages)
Queensland's scheme may allow a worker to sue the employer for negligence (an "at fault" process) in some situations. This is a high-stakes area where workers and employers typically need independent legal advice.
Employer obligations & compliance checklist (QLD)
1. Keep valid cover in place
If you employ workers in QLD, you must have workers' comp cover (usually WorkCover accident insurance unless self-insured).
2. Know who counts as a "worker"
Misclassifying workers (especially around contractors, interns, and labour hire arrangements) is a common compliance risk. Unpaid interns must be covered.
3. Injury happens: document, support, and report
- Support the worker to access medical treatment and claim steps.
- Report work-related injury or illness to WorkCover within the timeframes referenced by WorkSafe guidance (e.g., within 8 days of becoming aware).
4. Cooperate with claim management
Expect requests for:
- wage details and earnings history,
- role and duties information,
- incident details and witnesses.
5. Return-to-work is not optional
The scheme information statement says insurers must develop a return-to-work plan with the worker, employer, and doctor within 10 business days of claim acceptance, and employers must provide suitable duties based on medical advice.
6. Policy renewal & wage declarations (practical dates)
WorkCover materials outline typical renewal and wage declaration milestones, including wage declaration windows and premium due dates or early payment discounts. (Always confirm the latest dates.)
Quick compliance checklist
Use this checklist to ensure you're meeting all QLD workers' compensation requirements:
WorkCover QLD login & online services
If you're looking for "WorkCover QLD login", "WorkCover online services QLD", or "WorkCover employer login", these are the common official portals referenced on WorkSafe pages:
Worker assist
For workers to upload receipts, documents, and interact with their claim
Visit WorkSafe →WorkCover connect
For employers to interact with claim processes and reporting requirements
Visit WorkSafe →Disputes: review and appeal (if you disagree with a decision)
Independent review (Workers' compensation regulator / OIR)
If a worker or employer disagrees with an insurer's decision, the scheme provides a pathway for independent review.
The worker information statement notes a review can be requested within 3 months of receiving the insurer's written decision.
WorkSafe's review guidance explains a Review Officer aims to make a decision within 25 business days (though extensions can apply).
Appeal to the QIRC
If still unhappy after review, an appeal can be lodged with the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission (QIRC) within 20 business days of receiving the review decision.
Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)
No policy (or wrong coverage assumptions): If you employ workers in QLD, you generally need cover unless you're a licensed self-insurer.
Not realising the employer may pay the first week (excess): This catches small businesses off guard and can create payroll chaos.
Missing the "6 months" claim lodgement window: Claims usually need to be lodged within 6 months after the worker first saw a doctor about the injury.
Late employer reporting: WorkSafe guidance references reporting within 8 days of awareness. Build this into your workflow.
Treating return-to-work as optional: A plan and suitable duties expectations are core parts of the scheme.
Applying a "one-size-fits-all" expectation on payments: Weekly benefits change over time and depend on NWE, QOTE and other rules.
Official resources
Key government resources for Queensland workers' compensation:
WorkSafe Queensland
Official guidance on claims, payments, support, and employer obligations
Visit WorkSafe →WorkCover Queensland
Queensland's main workers' compensation insurer
Visit WorkCover →Workers' Compensation Act 2003
Queensland legislation (official version)
View legislation →Queensland Industrial Relations Commission
Workers' comp appeals and dispute resolution
Visit QIRC →Sources and update notes
Primary sources used for this guide:
- WorkSafe Queensland: official guidance on claims, payments, employer obligations, review processes, and return-to-work requirements.
- WorkCover Queensland: insurer materials on policy obligations, wage declarations, and premium information.
- Queensland Legislation: Workers' Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003 and Regulation 2025.
- Queensland scheme statistics (2023–24): injury type data and claim lodgement information.
Frequently asked questions
- Queensland scheme statistics for 2023–24 show strain and sprain injury claims were the largest category, accounting for 27.4% of injuries lodged.
- Weekly payments are calculated using rules based on a worker's normal weekly earnings (NWE) and may also compare amounts to Queensland Ordinary Time Earnings (QOTE). Payment stages vary depending on how long the worker has been off work: up to 26 weeks is generally 85% of NWE, 26-104 weeks is 75% of NWE or 70% of QOTE, and after 104 weeks depends on permanent impairment assessment.
- Workers' compensation is the Queensland scheme and legal framework that sets rights and obligations. WorkCover Queensland is the government-owned insurer that provides cover for most employers and manages claims (unless the employer is self-insured).
- The typical process: worker gets medical help and a work capacity certificate, claim is lodged, insurer decides (typically within 20 business days), and if accepted, weekly payments and support may apply, with a return-to-work plan developed within 10 business days.
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