Ask Shaye
Ask Shaye: Claim process
I provided the completed form to my workplace last week but nothing much seems to have happened. What can I expect?
An employer is obliged to notify their insurer within 48 hours of becoming aware that a worker has received a COVID-19 diagnosis, whether the diagnosis will lead to a workers compensation claim or not. A claim received from a worker should be provided immediately by the employer to their insurer/claims manager.
Noting the presumption involved, the insurer will just need to be reasonably satisfied that the worker contracted COVID-19 at work. The insurer must start provisional weekly payments of compensation within seven days of notification, unless they have a reasonable excuse not to. This is to minimise the disruption to your life while the insurer fully assesses your claim (if such time is needed).
If the insurer subsequently does not accept your claim, you will not be required to pay back the provisional payments.