iCare & Workers Compensation
About iCare & Workers Compensation
Workers compensation schemes can fund support and rehabilitation for people injured at work, where the injury has led to an ongoing need for care, therapy or support. icare is the scheme in NSW, and other states and territories have their own.
What is funded, and for how long, depends on the claim, the injury and the scheme’s own case management. It is handled through the workers compensation insurer or scheme, not a general disability or aged care pathway. People with ongoing care needs usually work with a case manager from their insurer. That case manager is the first contact for what a particular claim covers, because rules differ by state and claim type.
At a glance
- For people injured at work, with an ongoing need for care or support.
- icare in NSW, with equivalent schemes in other states and territories.
- What is covered depends on the claim and the scheme.
- Your insurer’s case manager is the first contact.
This is general information, not financial or funding advice. Program names, amounts and eligibility rules change over time. Always confirm current detail with the relevant official body before relying on it.
How to prepare before arranging support
- Contact the case manager at your workers compensation insurer or scheme.
- Ask what your particular claim covers, and for how long.
- Remember that rules differ by state and claim type. icare is the scheme in NSW, and other states and territories have their own.
Information and records to have ready
- Policy, membership or claim details
- Referral, approval or case-manager correspondence
- Written quote and explanation of likely gaps
- Invoices, receipts and benefit statements
Questions to ask a provider
- Do you bill this scheme directly, or must the person pay and claim?
- Is a referral, approval number or case-manager authority required?
- What is the total fee and likely out-of-pocket amount?
- Are there annual limits, waiting periods, approved-provider rules or session caps?
- What happens if the claim is delayed, reduced or declined?
Common mistakes to avoid
- Assuming a service is covered because it was covered before
- Confusing a rebate with full payment
- Starting before required written approval
- Failing to check annual limits, waiting periods or provider eligibility
Frequently asked questions
Who do I ask what my claim covers?
The case manager at your insurer or scheme. What is funded depends on the claim, the injury and the scheme, and rules differ by state and claim type.
Who can confirm what iCare & Workers Compensation means for me?
Ask the responsible insurer, scheme or program. A provider can explain its services and billing, but it cannot make a binding funding decision for the responsible body.
Does a provider listing prove it accepts icare & workers compensation?
No. A directory or public-register listing describes a provider and the supports it lists. Confirm the funding arrangement, approval and current availability with the provider before booking.
What if the rules or my circumstances change?
Check the current guidance with the responsible insurer, scheme or program, tell your providers promptly and update written agreements or approvals before relying on the changed arrangement.
Official sources
Other Other Funding topics
Browse providers or explore other funding topics.
Helpful reading
- NDIS jargon explained: the terms you will hear and what they mean: Plans, supports, coordinators, managers, registered providers: a plain-language glossary of the words that come up most often.
- NDIS or My Aged Care: which system supports you?: Two government systems support people with disability and older people. Here is how to think about which one applies and what to do if you are not sure.
- Keeping records of your NDIS supports: a simple system: Good records make plan reviews, claim queries and changes of provider far easier. Here is a light-touch way to keep them.