Make a workers' compensation claim

For:
Claimants Advocates

To claim workers' compensation, report your injury to your employer, seek treatment, then submit a claim form and medical certificate.

How to make a claim

1. Report your illness or injury

Follow your employer’s procedure to report your injury or illness. For your claim to be successful, you need to have reported your injury as soon as possible.

2. Seek treatment and get a medical certificate

Your medical certificate should include:

  • your diagnosis and its relation to your work (see specific requirements for first responders with PTSD)
  • any pre-existing conditions that affect the injury or illness
  • proposed treatment
  • your capacity for work while being treated.

Comcare’s certificate of capacity (PDF, 229.94 KB) is a good template, but you can provide any medical certificate with the right information from your doctor or qualified treatment provider. 

3. Submit a claim form

Complete a workers’ compensation claim form and submit it with your medical certificate and any other necessary documents.

If you work for the ATO, Services Australia or a self-insured licensee, contact your employer for information about how to make a claim. 

If you work for an Australian government department or agency, submit your claim directly to Comcare, who will assess and manage your claim.

Submit a claim to Comcare

Online workers' compensation claim form

Before you start

To complete your claim form, you’ll need these details and documents:

  • an email address
  • your Medicare number
  • BSB and bank account name and number (for payment if your claim is accepted)
  • a medical certificate
  • an employee statement – only if your claim is for a psychological injury or complex condition.

To use the online claim form, you’ll also need a Chrome, Firefox, Safari or Edge internet browser. 

Register for your unique claim form link

To access your online claim form, you will first need to register. Once you have registered, you will receive an email with a link to your claim form. The link is valid for 30 days. Keep this email. You will need the link if you save your claim form and go back to it later.

Completing the form

Support with your claim

If you need assistance to submit your claim, you can ask a representative, support person, union, your employer or Comcare for help.

Uploading documents

The online claim form allows you to upload documents. 

Only upload information needed to support your claim – usually, a certificate of capacity (PDF, 229.94 KB) or other medical certificate.

Do not upload:

  • graphic or sensitive information or images 
  • receipts or invoices for treatment costs – you will be able to claim reimbursement for these costs after your claim is accepted. 

If you’re not sure what medical information to attach, contact Comcare for advice.

If you decide not to claim

If you change your mind and decide not to claim, simply log out of the form. Any information you entered will be deleted when your registration link expires (after 30 days).

Claim information is shared with your employer

When assessing your claim, we will share the information you provided with your employer so that they can respond. We also share with you any information that your employer gives to us.  

We share claim information with both parties so that the claim process is fair and transparent. 

After submitting

After submitting your claim online, you’ll receive an acknowledgement email with a copy of the information you submitted.

When Comcare has registered your claim, you will receive another email with your claim number. This usually happens within 2 working days. 

Paper claim form

If you prefer not to use the online claim form, you can download the Workers' compensation claim form (PDF, 190.46 KB) instead.

You can complete the form with your employer or on your own.

You will need to attach:

Email your completed electronic form and supporting documents to: general.enquiries@comcare.gov.au with the subject line ‘New claim form’.

Or post your printed claim form and supporting documents to:

Comcare
GPO Box 9905
Canberra ACT 2601

More information

 

Page last reviewed: 1 hours ago
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