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NSW Workers Comp Weekly Entitlement Estimator
Estimate your weekly workers compensation payment using the statutory NSW step-down rates (95% for weeks 1 to 13; 80% for weeks 14 to 130).
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Enter your average gross weekly pay (base salary + regular allowances). Your insurer calculates the official PIAWE -- this is an estimate only.
NSW weekly payment phases
Source: Workers Compensation Act 1987 (NSW), sections 36 to 38. Reform: Workers Compensation Legislation Amendment Act 2025 (NSW) and Reform and Modernisation Act 2025 (NSW), assented 11 Feb 2026.
| Phase | Weeks | Rate (no work capacity) | Rate (partial work capacity) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | 1 to 13 | 95% of PIAWE | 95% of (PIAWE minus current earnings) |
| Phase 2 | 14 to 130 | 80% of PIAWE | 80% of (PIAWE minus current earnings) |
| Phase 3 | After 130 | Continuation depends on WPI and work capacity (see below) | |
After 130 weeks: continuation thresholds
For psychological injuries notified on or after 1 July 2026, the Reform and Modernisation Act 2025 (NSW) sets the following thresholds for weekly payment continuation beyond 130 weeks:
Workers assessed at 25% or above Whole Person Impairment may be entitled to continued weekly payments beyond 130 weeks. Source: PI Commission primary guidance (pi.nsw.gov.au, 2026) and Reform and Modernisation Act 2025 (NSW).
Workers assessed at 21 to 24% WPI may access up to 52 additional weeks of weekly payments at a reduced rate (60% of PIAWE or the legislated maximum weekly amount, whichever is lower). Source: PI Commission primary guidance (pi.nsw.gov.au, 2026).
Workers who have no current work capacity and are unlikely to regain work capacity may also qualify for continued weekly payments beyond 130 weeks, regardless of WPI rating. Seek advice from a workers compensation lawyer.
The 15% WPI threshold is a lump-sum permanent impairment threshold only -- it determines eligibility for a one-off lump-sum payment, not for continuation of weekly payments. Do not confuse the 15% lump-sum threshold with the 25% or 21-24% WPI thresholds that govern post-130-week weekly payment continuation.
These thresholds apply to psychological injuries notified from 1 July 2026. For physical injuries or older notifications, different rules apply. The reform was introduced by the Workers Compensation Legislation Amendment Act 2025 (NSW) and the Reform and Modernisation Act 2025 (NSW), both assented 11 February 2026.
Frequently asked questions
How is my NSW workers comp weekly payment calculated?
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.
How long do NSW workers comp weekly payments last?
Weekly payments generally continue for up to 130 weeks. For psychological injuries notified from 1 July 2026, continuation beyond 130 weeks depends on your WPI rating: workers assessed at 25% WPI or above may be entitled to continued weekly payments beyond 130 weeks; workers assessed at 21 to 24% WPI may access up to 52 additional weeks at a reduced rate. Workers with no current work capacity and unlikely to regain one may also qualify for continued payments. For physical injuries or injuries notified before 1 July 2026, seek advice from a workers compensation lawyer as different rules apply.
What is PIAWE and how is it calculated?
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.
What is the 15% WPI threshold in workers comp?
The 15% WPI threshold applies to lump-sum permanent impairment compensation only. If your injury results in 15% or more whole person impairment (assessed by an Approved Medical Specialist), you may be eligible for a lump-sum payment for permanent impairment. This is separate from weekly payment continuation: the thresholds that govern post-130-week weekly payments are 25% WPI (continued payments) and 21 to 24% WPI (52 additional weeks) for psychological injuries under the 2026 reform.
Can I also get psychology sessions funded while receiving weekly payments?
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 runs in parallel with your weekly payment entitlement. Check your psychology coverage →
Find a SIRA-approved telehealth psychologist
Browse our directory of NSW psychologists who accept workers compensation (icare/SIRA) referrals and offer telehealth. No gap fee for approved claims.
Browse the directoryFree to use. We are a directory, not a clinical service.
If you need immediate mental health support
This tool is general educational information, not a crisis service. If you are in distress: Lifeline 13 11 14 (24/7) • Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 (24/7) • 13YARN 13 92 76 (24/7, First Nations)