Can I retire while on workers compensation?

Issa Rabaya

Written by

Issa Rabaya

Principal Lawyer and Director · Last updated 31 July 2026

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Key takeaway: Yes, you can retire while on workers compensation. In NSW weekly payments can continue for up to 12 months after you reach retiring age, medical expenses stay payable for up to 12 months after weekly benefits cease, and your insurer must give you at least 13 weeks written notice before stopping payments.

Retiring While on Workers Compensation: Quick Answers

Can you retire while on workers compensation in NSW?
Yes. If you have reached retiring age while receiving weekly payments through your workers compensation claim, you can retire and continue receiving weekly payments for up to 12 months. In NSW, weekly benefits can generally be paid until age 65, and in certain cases for up to 2 years after age 65 where the injury happened close to retiring age.
How long do weekly workers compensation payments continue after retirement age?
Weekly payments can continue for up to 1 more year after you reach retiring age. The insurer or employer must tell you in writing the exact date your weekly payments will cease and when the last payment will be processed, so you can plan your retirement income with certainty.
What happens to my medical expenses when I retire on workers compensation?
Medical expenses remain payable for up to 12 months from the date the insurer ceases to be liable for weekly benefits. The insurer must also give you the exact date on which your medical benefits will cease after retirement, so you know how long treatment costs will still be covered.

retired couple hugging each other

What happens to my workers’ compensation when I retire?

If you have been receiving weekly payments through your workers’ compensation claim and you have reached retirement age, you can continue receiving weekly payments for up to one more year. Additionally, medical expenses are paid up to 12 months from when an insurer ceases to be liable to compensate weekly benefits. In this case, it is the employer or the insurer’s obligation to notify the worker at least 13 weeks before ceasing the weekly payments. The written notification must state the exact dates that the weekly payments will cease and the last payment will be processed. Similarly, the exact date on which medical benefits will cease after retirement should be provided to the worker by the insurer. There is no time restriction arising from retirement for other compensation such as medical and funeral expenses.

Can you retire while on workers compensation?

Yes, an employee can retire and receive weekly payments for up to 12 months. In NSW, benefits can be paid until age 65, or in certain cases, for up to 2 years after the age of 65.

Here is an example:
If a worker who is 64 years-old suffers an injury or illness, the worker can receive compensation for a maximum of 104 weeks which extends beyond age 65. For a full breakdown of duration rules, see our guide on how long you can stay on workers comp.

Timing is crucial when it comes to retirement and workers compensation. You should directly consult our workers compensation lawyers for free advice regarding your workers compensation claim.

retired man waking on the beach

How do I make a workers compensation claim?

First, you should notify your employer about the injury and that you will need to take leave to consult your General Practitioner (GP). Depending on the medical advice of your GP you can then consider completing a work injury claim form and submit it to your employer along with your GP’s completed Certificate of Capacity on your injury and capacity to work. Please note you have 6 months to lodge a Work Injury Claim Form from the date of the accident. If your injury was beyond 6 months and you still have not lodged a work injury claim form, contact our workers compensation lawyers and we will advise you if your claim will still be reasonably be accepted depending on your circumstances.

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Our workers’ compensation lawyers simplify the legal process for you. While our experienced workers’ compensation lawyers are working on your claim, you can focus on your recovery and enjoy your retirement. Reach us for a free claim check!

Retiring on Workers Compensation FAQs

Can you retire while on workers compensation in NSW?
Yes. If you have reached retiring age while receiving weekly payments through your workers compensation claim, you can retire and continue receiving weekly payments for up to 12 months. In NSW, weekly benefits can generally be paid until age 65, and in certain cases for up to 2 years after age 65 where the injury happened close to retiring age.
How long do weekly workers compensation payments continue after retirement age?
Weekly payments can continue for up to 1 more year after you reach retiring age. The insurer or employer must tell you in writing the exact date your weekly payments will cease and when the last payment will be processed, so you can plan your retirement income with certainty.
What happens to my medical expenses when I retire on workers compensation?
Medical expenses remain payable for up to 12 months from the date the insurer ceases to be liable for weekly benefits. The insurer must also give you the exact date on which your medical benefits will cease after retirement, so you know how long treatment costs will still be covered.
How much notice must the insurer give before stopping weekly payments when I retire?
The employer or insurer must notify you at least 13 weeks before ceasing weekly payments. That written notice has to state the exact dates your weekly payments will stop and when the final payment will be processed. If you have not received proper notice, speak to a workers compensation lawyer before your payments end.
What if I am injured at work close to retirement age?
You can still be compensated beyond retiring age. For example, a worker injured at 64 years old can receive weekly compensation for a maximum of 104 weeks, which extends beyond age 65. Timing is crucial, so get advice on your workers compensation claim before you decide to retire.
How long do I have to lodge a workers compensation claim?
You have 6 months from the date of the accident to lodge a Work Injury Claim Form with your employer, along with your GP’s Certificate of Capacity describing your injury and capacity to work. Notify your employer about the injury first, then see your GP for medical advice.
Can I still claim workers compensation more than 6 months after my injury?
Possibly. If more than 6 months have passed and you have not lodged a Work Injury Claim Form, your claim may still reasonably be accepted depending on your circumstances. Get legal advice on whether your workers compensation claim can proceed before you retire, as timing affects your entitlements.
Does retirement affect other compensation like funeral expenses?
No time restriction arising from retirement applies to other compensation such as funeral expenses. Weekly payments are limited to 12 months after retiring age and medical expenses to 12 months after weekly benefits cease, but these retirement limits do not cut off every entitlement under the scheme.
Issa Rabaya, Principal Lawyer and Director at Withstand Lawyers

About the author

Issa Rabaya · Principal Lawyer and Director

✓ Admitted to the Supreme Court of NSW and High Court of Australia  ✓ LLB  ✓ IRO-approved  ✓ Law Society of NSW

Acts for injured people in CTP, workers compensation, TPD and public liability claims.

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