Permanent impairment assessment changes: information for workers

The NSW Government made changes to workers compensation laws that start on 1 July 2026. This includes changes to permanent impairment assessments, which may impact your entitlements.

For example, the changes to the permanent impairment assessment include:

• limits on who can make an application for an assessment or further assessment,
• how to make an application for assessment,
• how the assessment may impact your entitlements.

These changes do not apply to exempt workers (police officers, paramedics and firefighters), coal miners, volunteers, dust diseases claim or claim with a pre-2002 dates of injury.

If you already have a permanent impairment assessment or agreement

You should get advice about how the changes might affect you if:

• your permanent impairment was assessed before 1 July 2026 and was used to establish your entitlement to weekly payments, lump sum compensation or work injury damages; or
• you have an agreement in place with your insurer or employer about your level of permanent impairment.

This advice will help you understand your future entitlements to:

• weekly payments,
• medical expenses, including domestic assistance,
• lump sum compensation,
• commutations, and
• work injury damages.

If you plan to have a permanent impairment assessment

If you have an existing workers compensation claim and plan to have your permanent impairment assessed on or after 1 July 2026, or your permanent impairment assessment process is underway but the actual assessment will take place on or after 1 July 2026, you must seek legal advice before being assessed.

This advice will help you understand how the changes affect your entitlements and the full implications of the assessment.

Where to seek advice

You may be able to get independent legal advice from the Independent Review Office’s (IRO) list of approved lawyers at no cost to you.

You can reach out to IRO at any point in the claim if you are feeling unsatisfied with the process or require further assistance.

• Phone:                13 94 76
• Email:                 complaints@iro.nsw.gov.au
• Website:            Independent Review Office (IRO)

You can also speak to your insurer or union representative for further information.

* This information is accurate at the time of publication and is subject to change.