This guide provides general education and does not diagnose a condition or replace individual medical or physiotherapy assessment.
How weekly payments are calculated
Weekly payments replace part of the earnings lost because of a workplace injury. The insurer calculates the amount using pre-injury average weekly earnings, known as PIAWE, together with current earnings, certified work capacity and the applicable entitlement period.
During the first entitlement period, workers with no current work capacity generally receive 95 per cent of PIAWE, subject to the statutory maximum. If there is current work capacity and earnings, the calculation deducts current weekly earnings.
What changes after 13 weeks
The second entitlement period starts after the first 13 aggregate weeks of payments. The percentage may be 95 or 80 per cent of PIAWE depending on work capacity and the number of hours worked, with current earnings deducted where applicable. Exempt categories and other statutory rules can differ, so ask the insurer for the written calculation that applies to your claim.
The insurer should give notice before a statutory reduction. A change at week 14 does not necessarily mean the claim has ended.
Why the certificate matters
The Certificate of Capacity communicates the injury, treatment plan and capacity for work. It indicates whether the worker is fit for pre-injury duties, has capacity for some work or currently has no capacity for work.
The first certificate is completed by a medical practitioner. Eligible SIRA-approved treating physiotherapists may issue second and subsequent certificates for injuries within their expertise.
Report changes promptly
- Changes in hours or duties
- A return to work or a new employer
- Changes in earnings
- A change in certified capacity
- Any insurer request for updated documents
Why capacity and hours matter
Work capacity decisions can reduce or stop weekly payments based on what the insurer considers you are able to earn in suitable employment. Accurate certificates and clear information about actual duties, hours, earnings and functional tolerance are therefore important.
Physiotherapy can provide objective functional findings to the treating team. It does not calculate the payment or decide entitlement.
Check the current calculation
Maximum rates are capped and indexed. Ask the insurer for the current PIAWE figure, entitlement period, percentage, earnings deduction and any work-capacity decision used in your calculation rather than relying on an old online figure.
If a payment appears incorrect
Ask the insurer for an explanation of the calculation and the information it used. SIRA and the Independent Review Office publish assistance pathways for workers who need further help. This guide is general information, not financial or legal advice.
Official links
Read the source for this topic.
Each link below opens the specific government or scheme page used for this guide.
Raby & Gledswood Hills