Frequently asked questions
If you have a question relating to your claim, you may be able to find the answer in this list of FAQs. If not, then please contact your Claims Services Officer on 1300 366 979.
- What should I do if I need urgent treatment?
- Do I need a medical certificate from an allied health provider?
- What happens to my payments if I travel overseas?
- What if I take legal action against my employer or another third party?
- What changes should I let Comcare know of?
- How are my compensation leave payments worked out if I'm a former employee?
What should I do if I need urgent treatment?
Before treatment is approved, Comcare requires that there is enough medical information on your file to relate the treatment to your compensable injury. If you are unable to get this information before undertaking the treatment, please call your Comcare Claims Services Officer on 1300 366 979 to discuss your options.
Do I need a medical certificate from an allied health provider?
You do not need a medical certificate from a doctor if you are only claiming for medical treatment by a registered chiropractor, osteopath, physiotherapist, masseur, occupational therapist, optometrist, psychologist or speech therapist. A certificate from the provider is sufficient.
If you wish to claim other benefits, such as incapacity payments or permanent impairment, you will need to provide appropriate medical evidence from a registered medical practitioner.
What happens to my payments if I travel overseas?
If you are receiving fortnightly payments from Comcare and decide to travel overseas, you should let your Claims Services Officer (CSO) know. Penalties apply in certain circumstances if you do not tell Comcare that you are leaving the country.
What if I take legal action against my employer or another third party?
If you have lodged a claim with Comcare or have an accepted claim and you or a dependant take legal action against a third party, your employer (the Commonwealth) or another employee, you must advise Comcare of this action. There are penalties that apply if you do not do this within seven days of starting the action.
If you are paid damages as a result of your work-related injury or illness, you must let Comcare know within 28 days of receiving the damages payment. Penalties apply if you do not notify Comcare of the payment within that time.
Comcare is required to recover compensation that it pays in relation to a work-related injury or illness from any damages you receive.
What changes should I let Comcare know of?
You should write to Comcare about any of the following changes in your circumstances, if you:
- change your address
- change your name
- change your bank details (if you receive fortnightly payments from Comcare)
- engage in any employment (whether paid or unpaid)
- get a pension, allowance or benefit
Print and complete the Request to change bank account and/or personal details [pdf] form.
How are my compensation leave payments worked out if I'm a former employee?
'Former employees' under the SRC Act, are employees who:
- were injured at work before 1 December 1988
- were retired before 1 December 1988, and
- were receiving weekly compensation leave benefits immediately before 1 December 1988
Find out how compensation leave payments are worked out for former employees