QLD WorkCover and Mental Health Claims Guide for Workers

When work starts to affect your mental health, it doesn’t just stay at the office. It follows you home, impacts your sleep, your relationships, and your ability to cope day to day. Whether it’s ongoing stress, workplace bullying, or a traumatic incident on the job, the emotional toll can be just as serious as any physical injury. In Queensland, WorkCover recognises this but navigating a mental health claim isn’t always straightforward. Many workers feel overwhelmed by the paperwork, unsure about their rights, or worried their situation won’t be taken seriously. That’s why understanding the process and getting the right support early on is so important.

When Mental Health Becomes a Work-Related Injury

Mental health injuries are often triggered by repeated stress, unsafe workplace behaviour, or traumatic events. These experiences can affect your ability to function at work and in daily life.

Some common causes of psychological injuries at work include:

• Ongoing bullying or harassment
  
  
• Repeated verbal abuse or intimidation
  
  
• Unrealistic workloads and pressure
  
  
• Lack of support from supervisors
  
  
• Exposure to traumatic incidents
  
  
• Job insecurity or unfair dismissal
  
  

If these experiences lead to a medical diagnosis such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, or adjustment disorder, you may be eligible to lodge a mental health claim.

Who Can Claim and What Qualifies as a Work Injury

In Queensland, the WorkCover system supports workers across all industries, including casual, part-time, and full-time employees. A claim for a mental health injury can be made if:

• Your condition is diagnosed by a doctor
  
  
• There is a clear link between your condition and your employment
  
  
• The cause was not part of reasonable management action conducted properly
  
  

This last point is important. If your stress stems from a lawful performance review or restructure done appropriately, it may not qualify for compensation.

How to Lodge a QLD WorkCover Claim for Mental Health

The claims process begins with a formal diagnosis and ends with either approval or rejection. It’s important to move through each step with clear documentation and support.

Step-by-step process:

1. See a doctor
    A Work Capacity Certificate must be issued by your GP with a clear diagnosis and connection to your job.
   
   
2. Inform your employer
    Let them know about your injury. This step can feel difficult but is legally necessary.
   
   
3. Submit your claim to WorkCover Queensland
    You can do this online, by phone, or with the help of a lawyer. Attach medical certificates and relevant details.
   
   
4. WorkCover reviews your case
    This may involve requesting more medical information or speaking with your employer.
   
   
5. Decision is made
    If approved, payments and treatment support may begin. If denied, you can seek a review.
   
   

What Evidence Makes a Strong Mental Health Claim

Mental health claims require clear, consistent, and medically supported evidence. The more detailed your documentation, the stronger your case.

Some helpful evidence includes:

• Medical records confirming diagnosis and treatment
  
  
• GP and psychologist reports showing work as the cause
  
  
• Records of internal complaints or HR investigations
  
  
• Emails or messages showing bullying or conflict
  
  
• Statements from colleagues who witnessed the behaviour
  
  

Keep your documentation honest and thorough. Contradictions in dates or diagnosis may weaken your claim.

What Support Can You Receive Through WorkCover

If your claim is approved, you may be entitled to a range of support services designed to help you recover and return to work safely.

You may receive:

• Regular income payments while you are unfit for work
  
  
• Coverage for psychological treatment including therapy and medication
  
  
• Support to return to work in a modified or new role
  
  
• Reimbursement for travel to medical appointments
  
  
• A lump sum if your psychological condition results in permanent impairment

All treatment must be related to your injury and approved by WorkCover.

Timeframes and Claim Duration

The average decision time on mental health claims is between two and four weeks. However, more complex cases or those requiring employer interviews may take longer.

Once approved, your support continues until one of the following occurs:

• You return to work in full capacity
  
  
• You reach maximum medical improvement
  
  
• Your entitlement period ends
  
  
• You transition into a common law damages claim
  
  

Delays often occur when documents are missing or evidence is inconsistent. Staying organised from the start makes a difference.

If Your Mental Health Claim Is Denied

WorkCover does not approve all psychological claims. If your claim is rejected, it may be because:

• The condition was not diagnosed
  
  
• There was no link to work
  
  
• The injury was caused by reasonable management action
  
  

If this happens, don’t give up. You have the right to:

• Request a review through the Workers’ Compensation Regulator
  
  
• Submit further medical or workplace evidence
  
  
• Seek advice from a legal expert
  
  

You are not alone in this. Firms experienced in QLD WorkCover claims regularly support clients in turning denied claims around through careful case building and formal appeals.

Understanding Permanent Impairment and Compensation

If your psychological injury becomes long-term or permanent, you may be assessed for a permanent impairment lump sum. This is based on the level of psychiatric damage and how it affects your ability to function.

To receive a lump sum payout:

• You must be assessed by an approved specialist
  
  
• Your impairment must meet the required threshold
  
  
• You’ll need to consider whether accepting the payout affects your ability to make further legal claims
  
  

Always seek professional guidance before accepting a lump sum. It can close off your right to pursue additional damages in the future.

For more information on how this process works, explore the dedicated page on mental health claims which provides clarity on assessments, payouts, and ongoing support.

Returning to Work After a Mental Injury

When you’re ready to return to work, your recovery plan should be supported not rushed. Your employer has a responsibility to create a safe environment and support your mental wellbeing.

WorkCover may help develop a gradual return-to-work plan that could include:

• Reduced hours or flexible shifts
  
  
• Temporary change in responsibilities
  
  
• Emotional support and check-ins
  
  
• Adjustments to reduce stress or risk
  
  

You have a right to return when it is safe, and you are not required to accept work that is unsuitable for your condition.

When Legal Support Becomes Important

Not every claim is straightforward. Psychological injuries are harder to prove, and many are wrongly denied. If your claim is complex, delayed, or rejected, legal support can help.

Experienced professionals can:

• Review your situation and provide honest advice
  
  
• Strengthen your evidence before lodging or re-lodging a claim
  
  
• Represent you during appeals or disputes
  
  
• Protect your rights throughout the process
  
  

Getting advice early makes the process clearer and increases your chance of a successful outcome.

Final Thoughts

Mental health matters just as much as physical health. If your job has caused real emotional harm, you have the right to seek support, treatment, and financial relief. Queensland’s WorkCover system includes protections for workers suffering from stress, trauma, and psychological injury but navigating it requires clarity and care.

Understanding how to lodge a valid claim, what evidence is needed, and how to handle delays or rejections puts you in control of your recovery. And with the right legal support, both your voice and your rights are protected.

Whether you’re preparing to lodge or appealing a decision, expert guidance around QLD WorkCover claims and mental health claims helps you move forward with strength and support.