NSW Workers Comp Weekly Entitlement Estimator

NSW weekly workers compensation payments are based on your Pre-Injury Average Weekly Earnings (PIAWE). For weeks 1 to 13 you receive 95% of PIAWE (less any current weekly earnings if you have partial work capacity). From week 14 to week 130 the rate drops to 80% of PIAWE. These rates are set by sections 36 to 38 of the Workers Compensation Act 1987 (NSW). Payments are subject to a legislated weekly maximum amount -- contact icare (13 44 22) or a workers compensation lawyer for the current cap and your specific entitlement.

Weekly payments generally continue for up to 130 weeks. For a primary psychological injury, section 39A of the Workers Compensation Act 1987 (NSW) generally ends weekly payments after an aggregate period of 130 weeks, unless the degree of permanent impairment is at least 25%. Under section 39B, a worker assessed at least 21% but less than 25% can apply to the insurer to continue weekly payments after 130 weeks if the insurer assesses them as having no work capacity, or as having current work capacity where they have returned to work for at least 15 hours per week with current weekly earnings of at least $225 per week. The rate is the lesser of 60% of pre-injury average weekly earnings (PIAWE) or the maximum weekly compensation amount, in each case less current weekly earnings, and these payments stop after an aggregate period of 182 weeks. Sections 39A and 39B apply only to a notification or claim for a primary psychological injury made on or after 1 July 2026. For physical injuries or injuries notified before 1 July 2026, different rules apply, and a workers compensation lawyer can advise on your specific situation.

PIAWE stands for Pre-Injury Average Weekly Earnings -- it is the average of your ordinary earnings (base salary plus regular allowances) over the 52 weeks before your injury, or since you started if less than 52 weeks. Overtime is not typically included unless it was regular and consistent. Your insurer (icare or a self-insurer) calculates the official PIAWE figure. The estimator uses the figure you enter as a proxy only -- your actual PIAWE may differ.

For a primary psychological injury, 15% WPI is the threshold for lump-sum permanent impairment compensation (section 65A(3) of the Workers Compensation Act 1987 (NSW)); for other injuries, section 66 requires a degree of permanent impairment greater than 10%. The WPI is assessed by an Approved Medical Specialist. This lump-sum threshold is separate from the thresholds that govern whether weekly payments for a primary psychological injury continue beyond 130 weeks: at least 25% (section 39A), and at least 21% but less than 25% (section 39B).

Yes. If your claim includes a psychological injury (primary or secondary), your GP can refer you for psychology sessions funded at the SIRA gazetted rate. The psychologist submits an Allied Health Treatment Request (AHTR) to your insurer. Approved sessions cost you nothing -- the insurer pays the psychologist directly. Psychology treatment entitlement is separate from your weekly payment entitlement. For a primary psychological injury first notified to the employer on or after 1 July 2026, section 59A of the Workers Compensation Act 1987 (NSW) limits treatment compensation to a period of 1 year after weekly payments stop (or after the claim is first made, if no weekly payments are paid), unless the worker has highest needs. Check your psychology coverage →