Workers Compensation Weekly Benefits in NSW

Issa Rabaya

Written by

Issa Rabaya

Principal Lawyer and Director · Last updated 3 July 2026

Key takeaway: If a work injury reduces your capacity to work in NSW, weekly payments replace 95% of your pre-injury average weekly earnings for the first 13 weeks, then 80% from weeks 14 to 130. Payments are capped at 5 years where impairment is under 20%, while workers assessed over 20% receive weekly payments until retirement age.

Workers Compensation Weekly Benefits: Quick Answers

How much are workers compensation weekly benefits in NSW?
Weekly payments are calculated from your pre-injury average weekly earnings, but you are not paid 100%. You receive 95% for the first 13 weeks, then 80% from the 14th to the 130th week. If you are working at least 15 hours per week, you can keep receiving 95% of your pre-injury average weekly wage beyond the first 13 weeks.
How long do workers compensation weekly payments last in NSW?
Weekly payments are limited to a maximum of 5 years for injuries assessed at less than 20% whole person impairment. Workers with more than 20% permanent disability are entitled to weekly payments until they reach retirement age. After 130 weeks, continuing payments depend on your work capacity and hours, so an impairment assessment can make a major difference to how long your benefits last.
What happens to workers compensation weekly payments after 130 weeks?
After 130 weeks, workers with no work capacity continue to receive 80% of their average pre-injury wage. If you are working at least 15 hours per week and earning at least $200 per week, you must apply to the insurer in writing for your weekly benefits to continue beyond 130 weeks. If you work less than 15 hours per week, the entitlement ceases unless your injuries are assessed at 20% whole person impairment.

worker compensation repairman

Employers have a responsibility to fulfil their occupational health and safety obligations. This responsibility ensures that you receive entitlements if you are injured while working or fall in the course of employment. If you encounter such a situation, the entitlements you will receive are known as workers’ compensation. The entitlements includes wages, medical expenses including rehabilitation and lump sum payment.

When you have a work-related injury or illness, you are required to notify your injury to your employer. If as a result of the injury, your capacity to work decreases, you may be eligible for workers compensation weekly payments to compensate you for Your loss of earnings.

How many weeks of pay will I receive in workers compensation payments?

The weekly wages amount is calculated based on your pre injury average weekly earnings before the injury. You will not be paid 100% of your pre injury average weekly earnings but rather:

  • 95% for the first 13 weeks,
  • 80% for the 14th to the 130th week,
  • After 130 weeks of workers compensation payment, workers with no work capacity will continue to receive 80% of their average pre-injury wage

office worker man sitting on a couch

However if you work at least 15 hours per week you can continue to receive 95% of your pre injury average weekly wage beyond the first 13 weeks.

If you are working at least 15 hours per week after 130 weeks and are earning at least $200 per week, you are required to apply to the insurer in writing so that your weekly benefits continue beyond the 130 weeks. Weekly payments are limited to a maximum of 5 years for injuries that are assessed at less than 20% whole person impairment. If you are working less than 15 hours per week, the weekly payment entitlement will cease unless your injuries are assessed at 20% whole person impairment.

Workers with more than 20% permanent disability are entitled to weekly payments until they reach retirement age.

Our experienced Workers Compensation Lawyers can assist you to get the highest possible workers compensation payout on a No Win No Fee basis. Our workers compensation lawyers is conventionality located in Sydney & Parramatta. You can call us on 1800 952 898 or book a free claim assessment below to receive the best legal assistance possible.

Workers Compensation Weekly Benefits FAQs

How much are workers compensation weekly benefits in NSW?
Weekly payments are calculated from your pre-injury average weekly earnings, but you are not paid 100%. You receive 95% for the first 13 weeks, then 80% from the 14th to the 130th week. If you are working at least 15 hours per week, you can keep receiving 95% of your pre-injury average weekly wage beyond the first 13 weeks.
How long do workers compensation weekly payments last in NSW?
Weekly payments are limited to a maximum of 5 years for injuries assessed at less than 20% whole person impairment. Workers with more than 20% permanent disability are entitled to weekly payments until they reach retirement age. After 130 weeks, continuing payments depend on your work capacity and hours, so an impairment assessment can make a major difference to how long your benefits last.
What happens to workers compensation weekly payments after 130 weeks?
After 130 weeks, workers with no work capacity continue to receive 80% of their average pre-injury wage. If you are working at least 15 hours per week and earning at least $200 per week, you must apply to the insurer in writing for your weekly benefits to continue beyond 130 weeks. If you work less than 15 hours per week, the entitlement ceases unless your injuries are assessed at 20% whole person impairment.
How are workers compensation weekly payments calculated?
The weekly amount is based on your pre-injury average weekly earnings before the injury, not your full wage. The scheme pays 95% of that figure for the first 13 weeks and 80% afterwards, rising back to 95% where you manage at least 15 hours of work per week. Wages are only 1 of your entitlements: medical expenses including rehabilitation and a lump sum payment can also apply.
When should I claim workers compensation weekly benefits?
Notify your employer of the work-related injury or illness as soon as it happens, and if your capacity to work decreases you may be eligible for weekly payments for your loss of earnings. In NSW you should report a workplace injury within 30 days, and the claim itself generally must be lodged within 6 months of the date of injury, so acting quickly protects your payments.
What else do workers compensation entitlements cover besides weekly wages?
Workers compensation in NSW covers 3 core entitlements: weekly wages for lost earnings, medical expenses including rehabilitation, and a lump sum payment for permanent impairment. Our workers compensation lawyers, located in Sydney and Parramatta, can pursue the highest possible payout on a No Win No Fee basis. Call 1800 952 898 for a free claim assessment.
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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