How a WorkCover lump sum for permanent impairment (DPI) is calculated in Queensland (2026)
A WorkCover lump sum in Queensland equals the maximum statutory compensation multiplied by your degree of permanent impairment (DPI). So a 10% DPI gives 10% of the maximum. The maximum is 216.15 times QOTE, and QOTE for 2026–27 is $1,994.50. The insurer works out the amount on the day it makes its offer.
Key takeaways
What a WorkCover lump sum is
A WorkCover lump sum is a one-off payment for a permanent impairment caused by a work injury. WorkCover Queensland says it is “a one-off payment made instead of ongoing weekly or medical benefits”. It is also part of the no-fault statutory claim described in our WorkCover claims guide.
The legal basis is s 178. Under it, the insurer or the worker can ask for an assessment of permanent impairment. If the assessment finds a DPI, the worker becomes entitled to a WorkCover lump sum or an offer of one.
WorkCover lump sum terms use DPI, not WPI
Many websites talk about “WPI”, or whole person impairment. However, Queensland’s Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003 (WCRA) uses a different term. Instead, it calls the result a degree of permanent impairment, or DPI, and expresses it as a percentage.
This matters when you read your paperwork. For example, your notice of assessment will state a DPI. The thresholds in the Act, such as 20% and 30%, also refer to DPI. So when comparing information online, check that it relates to Queensland.
When the assessment happens and who does it
Timing depends on your recovery, since WorkCover says it assesses you once “your injury has healed as much as it can” and your claim is ending. Under s 179(1), the insurer may arrange it. Alternatively, you may ask for it once you have made a claim.
The assessor also depends on the injury type. Under s 179(2), the insurer must have the DPI assessed as follows:
Rules for the assessment
The assessor must follow the scheme directions and express the DPI as a percentage (s 179(3)). In addition, WorkCover explains that each affected part of the body gets a score, which is then turned into an impairment percentage.
Multiple injuries from one event have their own rule. Under s 179(5), the assessor rates physical injuries together. However, a psychological injury from the same event gets a separate DPI. Our guide to psychological injury WorkCover claims explains why that matters.
Also note that you can ask for an assessment without a compensation claim. Under s 132A, a worker who hasn’t applied for compensation may apply for a DPI assessment. The insurer must then decide within 40 business days whether to allow the application.
How a WorkCover lump sum is calculated
The formula is short. Under s 117 of the Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation Regulation 2025, the lump sum equals the maximum statutory compensation times your DPI. To illustrate, the Regulation’s own example uses a 10% DPI and a maximum of $422,295, which gives $42,229.50.
Next, you need the maximum. Under s 140, the maximum for lump sum compensation is 216.15 times QOTE. QOTE stands for Queensland ordinary time earnings. For 2026–27, the QOTE Notice 2026 sets it at $1,994.50, from 1 July 2026.
Timing also affects the dollar figure. Under s 180(3), the insurer calculates the amount as at the day it makes the offer. Your own notice of assessment will state the exact amount, so rely on that figure rather than the estimates below.
|
DPI |
Approximate WorkCover lump sum (offers made from 1 July 2026) |
|---|---|
|
5% |
About $21,556 |
|
10% |
Around $43,111 |
|
15% |
About $64,667 |
|
20% |
Around $86,222 |
|
100% (maximum) |
About $431,111 |
What can reduce or add to a WorkCover lump sum
However, some impairment doesn’t count. Under s 180(2), the lump sum excludes impairment from a condition you had before the injury. Similarly, it excludes impairment from a condition the Act doesn’t compensate. The insurer also takes earlier lump sums into account under s 181.
On the other hand, some workers qualify for more. Under s 192, a worker with a DPI of 30% or more may get an additional lump sum on a graduated scale. However, that extra amount isn’t available for psychological injuries. Separately, s 193 provides an additional lump sum for gratuitous care in some cases.
The notice of assessment and your options
Under s 185, the insurer must send a notice of assessment within 10 business days of receiving the assessment. In particular, the notice states your DPI and the lump sum amount. Under s 187, it must also include the offer of lump sum compensation.
After that, your options depend on the DPI. If it is 20% or more, s 188 lets you accept or defer the WorkCover lump sum offer. You can also still seek common law damages. If it is under 20%, s 189 requires an irrevocable election between the lump sum and seeking damages. Our guide to the WorkCover lump sum vs common law sets out that choice in detail.
Watch the deadline. Generally, you have 20 business days after the notice (the decision period) to respond. If you don’t respond in time, the law treats the decision as deferred. In addition, s 190 stops any further compensation once you respond or 20 business days pass, whichever comes first.
If you disagree with your DPI
You can challenge the assessment, but the window is short. Under s 186, you must tell the insurer within 20 business days after the notice that you disagree. You can then ask for a new assessment by an agreed assessor. Alternatively, you can ask for a medical assessment tribunal decision.
The insurer must decide within 10 business days whether to arrange a new assessment. If it refuses, it must refer the question to a tribunal instead. After that, only a medical assessment tribunal can decide your DPI. WorkCover says tribunal decisions are final. If this step feels complex, a Queensland lawyer can explain your options, and our fees guide explains how costs work.
Frequently asked questions
Sources
Related guides
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.
Firms that handle this kind of claim
See Queensland firms ranked for each claim type and area, or put any two or three side by side. Every fact is checked and dated.