How to lodge a WorkCover claim in Queensland (2026)
To lodge a WorkCover claim in Queensland, first get a work capacity certificate from your doctor. Then lodge the claim with the insurer online, by phone on 1300 927 928 or with form FM106. You generally have 6 months to lodge, and lodging within 20 business days avoids a limit on back-payment.
Key takeaways
What a WorkCover claim is
A WorkCover claim is an application for compensation under the Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003 (WCRA). It is a no-fault statutory claim. So you don’t need to prove that anyone was to blame for your injury. Our WorkCover claims guide explains how this claim differs from a common law claim for damages.
If your employer is not self-insured, your insurer is WorkCover Queensland (s 133(4)). However, some larger employers are self-insured. In that case, the self-insurer takes WorkCover’s place for the claim under s 87. WorkCover Queensland links to a list of self-insured employers, so check it first if you work for a large organisation.
Step 1: See a doctor and get a work capacity certificate
The first practical step is a medical visit. Under s 132(3), your application must come with a certificate in the approved form. A doctor who treated you usually gives it. For a minor injury, a nurse practitioner can issue it, and for an oral injury, a dentist can.
WorkCover calls this document a work capacity certificate. It records how the injury happened, the treatment you need and whether you need time off work. In addition, WorkCover says, “We can’t make a decision on your claim without a work capacity certificate.”
Timing matters here too. Under s 141(1), your entitlement arises on the day a doctor, nurse practitioner or dentist assesses the injury. That date starts the time limits explained below. Also note that if you go to a public hospital, it may send the certificate to WorkCover. However, WorkCover says this doesn’t start a claim unless you ask it to.
Step 2: Tell your employer
WorkCover recommends that you tell your employer about your injury and your claim, because it will need information from them. With your consent, your employer can also start the claim by completing a claim form.
Employers have their own duties. Under s 133, an employer must report an injury to the insurer straight away. The trigger is the first of these: it learns of the injury, the worker reports it, or the insurer asks in writing. It commits an offence if it fails to report within 8 business days, unless it has a reasonable excuse. Similarly, s 133A requires an employer to notify the insurer within 8 business days if a worker asks it for compensation.
Step 3: How to lodge a WorkCover claim
Under s 132, you must make the claim in the approved form and lodge it with the insurer. If you can’t complete it because of a physical or mental incapacity, someone else may complete it for you. WorkCover Queensland lists three ways to lodge a WorkCover claim:
What information you need to lodge a WorkCover claim
Before you start, gather your details in one place. That way, you can lodge a WorkCover claim faster, and the insurer is less likely to need follow-up questions. WorkCover says you will need:
Time limits to lodge a WorkCover claim
Section s 131 sets the main deadline. It has two parts, and the second one is easy to miss. The table sets out both, along with the exceptions.
|
Rule |
What the Act says |
Section |
|---|---|---|
|
6-month limit |
An application is valid only if it is lodged within 6 months after the entitlement to compensation arises. |
s 131(1) |
|
20 business days |
If you lodge later than 20 business days after the entitlement arises, the insurer pays only from 20 business days before the day you lodge. This does not apply to death claims. |
s 131(2)–(3) |
|
Must waive |
The insurer must waive the 6-month limit if a medical assessment tribunal decides special medical circumstances exist. |
s 131(4) |
|
May waive |
The insurer may waive the 6-month limit if a doctor, nurse practitioner or dentist assessed you as incapacitated for work and you lodged within 20 business days of that first assessment. |
s 131(5) |
|
May waive |
The insurer may waive either limit if the delay was due to a mistake, your absence from Queensland, or a reasonable cause. |
s 131(6) |
What happens after you lodge a WorkCover claim
Once the claim is in, the insurer gathers information. WorkCover says it will usually contact you within a few business days if it needs more details. It may also ask for medical records or an independent medical examination. Meanwhile, it will contact your employer to confirm your employment and wages.
The law sets a timeframe for the decision. Under s 134(2), the insurer must decide within 20 business days after you apply. WorkCover says it decides most claims in that time. If it can’t decide in time, s 134(6) requires it to explain why within 5 business days. It must also tell you that you can seek a review.
Before rejecting a claim, the insurer must first carry out an internal review by a more senior person (s 538). If it still rejects the claim, it must give you written reasons. If that happens, our guide to a rejected WorkCover claim explains the review process.
Special situations when you lodge a WorkCover claim
Some claims have extra rules. For example, a mental injury claim faces a stricter definition of injury. Our guide to psychological injury WorkCover claims explains. Likewise, injuries on the way to or from work fall under separate journey rules, covered in our journey claim guide.
Finally, if an injury leaves a lasting impairment, a lump sum may become relevant later in the claim. Our guide to the WorkCover lump sum explains how insurers assess it. If you are unsure about a step, WorkCover or a Queensland lawyer can explain how the rules apply. You can also see how we assess firms on our methodology page.
Frequently asked questions
Sources
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About the author
Marshall Fenech, Editor
Marshall Fenech is the editor of Compare Personal Injury Lawyer QLD. He researches Queensland personal injury law firms and claim rules, checks every fact against public sources such as the Queensland Law Society, MAIC, WorkCover Queensland and Queensland legislation, and dates each check. He does not give legal advice.
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