Lodge a new claim

Your claim made simple

We know making a workers compensation claim can be daunting. We’re here to make the process easier, handling all the details once your claim is lodged.

Our caring claims teams have helped over a million Australians to recover and return to work. You’ll find some of their stories on this page, as well as everything you need to help you understand the process and submit your ReturnToWorkSA claim form.

We’re ready to help – contact us in the way that suits you best.

Journey

Our support is tailored to your needs

Making a claim

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Support for claims

Resources for the claims process

Support for recovery

Get the care you need

Step by step guide​

Process of making a claim​

Have you suffered a work related injury or illness?

If you have not suffered an injury or illness, you do not need to enter the claims process.

Reporting an incident or near miss to your employer is valuable to reduce future incidents and risks occurring and may also help if anything changes in the future.

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EML supports SafeWork SA in the identification of near misses and other incidents to improve the workplace and prevent future injuries and incidents.

Have you let your employer know that the injury or illness has occurred?

Notify your employer of the injury or illness as soon as practical.

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If you are unable to notify your employer, someone else can do this on your behalf.

Have you had medical treatment for the injury or illness?

Does the injury or illness require medical attention?

You are not able to claim for weekly payments or medical expenses without assessment and evidence from a health practitioner.

This is your priority. Make a visit to a practitioner or hospital as required for treatment as soon as possible.

Have your injury or illness assessed, receive any medical treatment and understand the steps to recovery.

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Though you can initiate a claim without medical evidence, you will need it at some point to have your claim assessed for compensation.

Are you intending to claim for weekly payments (money paid for time off work)?

Request a signed certificate of capacity from your treating health practitioner.

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You will need it to receive any weekly workers compensation payment.

Are you intending to claim for medical expenses?

Request medical evidence of the injury or illness and that it was work related, as well as the costs incurred, from your treating health practitioner.

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You will need supporting information to make a claim for medical expenses.

Speak to your practitioner about what other information is relevant for your claim and can be provided.

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Each claim is different and information such as scans, medical bills and medical reports may eventually be added to support the claim for compensation.

If you have sought medical treatment for a work related injury or illness, you have the right to lodge a workers compensation claim.

Has a claim already been lodged for this injury or illness?

Do you want to lodge a claim for compensation for medical expenses and/or for weekly compensation payments?

While you have a right to make a claim, the choice is yours.

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When you have been injured or become ill, entering the claims process ensures you are getting the right support in recovery.

The quickest and easiest way to progress a claim is for your employer to make the claim online through the ReturnToWorkSA online lodgement portal.

Notify your employer that you want to lodge a claim for compensation.

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If your employer is unable to make a claim on your behalf you can contact EML on 1800 688 825
(Callback available) to make a claim.

Documents may be needed to support the claim.

Certificates of capacity, medical certificates and other medical evidence may be requested to complete the claim.

Your health is the most important thing. If your claim is accepted, you can be reimbursed for the reasonable costs of treatment.

See medical practitioners as required to treat your injury or illness and keep all relevant medical documentation in this time.

After the claim has been lodged, EML will contact both the worker and employer within two business days and may ask for more information from you.

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Your claim is assessed by our dedicated team at EML as to whether it is eligible for workers compensation in line with the legislation. Wherever possible, EML will aim to determine a claim’s liability within ten business days.

If there are no further queries, EML will let you know that the claim has been accepted.

If further queries or investigation is required beyond the ten business day expectation, you will be offered interim benefits whilst the claims decision is made.

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If you require further support with your recovery and return to work, a claims specialist will be assigned within two business days.

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Training

Customised and flexible learning for workplace peace of mind

Upcoming sessions

Browse our training across workers compensation, health and safety, return to work and mental health.

Workers compensation: National updates and insights

This session is designed to provide employers with an update on current issues impacting workers compensation schemes, the latest trends, external factors and legal implications, and the expected implications of these issues for employers across the jurisdictional Workers Compensation schemes of SA, NSW and VIC.
Host : Internal

Meeting your workers compensation payment obligations: Ensuring workers are not underpaid following the legislative changes

From 1 January 2025, intentional wage underpayment is a criminal offence under Commonwealth law, and Worker Compensation payments are included. This session with experts from Australian Payroll Association and EML will help employers review Worker Compensation wage practices to ensure accurate payments, meet wage obligations and maintain compliance.
Host : Australian Payroll Association; EML

Upcoming sessions

Browse our training across workers compensation, health and safety, return to work and mental health.

The death of manual handling training: What can we learn and unlearn from Olympic lifters

This session challenges the long held belief that “how to lift” training prevents injuries. Despite its popularity, safety regulators and research show it’s ineffective and can even cause harm. Together we’ll unpack why technique isn’t the protective factor many assume, explore what the evidence actually says, and examine real world case studies. We’ll also look at sensor technologies, lifting aids, and other factors that genuinely influence safe manual handling.
Host : Procare, BodyGuide

Psychological safety for supervisors: Your role in preventing claims

Most mental injury claims don’t come out of nowhere, they build over time in environments where people don’t feel safe to speak up. This session helps frontline leaders and supervisors create the kind of culture that prevents risk before it escalates.
Host : Lysander

EQ: The leadership skill that builds psychological safety

Great leadership isn’t just about strategy — it’s about self-awareness. This panel session equips leaders with practical emotional intelligence skills to elevate communication, sharpen decision-making, foster psychological safety, and unlock stronger team performance. Walk away with tools you can apply immediately to lead with clarity, confidence and impact.
Host : PHSA

Upcoming sessions

Browse our training across workers compensation, health and safety, return to work and mental health.

Supporting staff return to work with a mental injury

This session delves into the key mental health and injury barriers encountered throughout the return to work process from multiple perspectives, including the worker, employer, agent, and rehabilitation provider. Customised strategies aimed at effectively overcoming these barriers are also discussed.
Host : IPAR

Complex case management: Barriers to return to work

Complex claims stall when barriers stack up and aren’t identified early. This interactive session provides a practical framework to quickly pinpoint what’s holding return to work back across medical, psychosocial, workplace, and system factors and apply targeted strategies to move the claim forward. Participants will strengthen decision-making, improve collaboration with stakeholders, and support sustainable return to work outcomes in cases involving multiple risk factors or prolonged absence.
Host : Workplace Interventions

Injury management and return to work planning for hybrid and remote workers

Injury management for hybrid and remote workers demands a modern approach that recognises the unique risks and challenges of dispersed teams. Effective return to work planning blends clear communication, tailored support, and flexible duties that align with each worker’s environment. Organisations that invest in proactive strategies not only reduce recovery time but also strengthen trust and wellbeing across their workforce.
Host : IPAR

Upcoming sessions

Browse our training across workers compensation, health and safety, return to work and mental health.

Mentally healthy workplace – Taking a psychosocially informed approach

This session helps senior leaders understand the strategic importance of psychosocial hazards and risks. It explores how these risks arise and interact, enabling executives to build effective frameworks and organisational norms that support early identification and management. By strengthening leadership capability, the session equips organisations to proactively foster and maintain a psychologically safe workplace.
Host : Psychological Safety Australia

Mind matters: Helping young workers thrive at work

Join us for this panel session as Dr Mark Deady (UNSW), Dr Claire Madden, Pinar Karabulut (PHSA), and Karen Marshman (Let’s Talk Australia) explore the unique mental health challenges facing young workers, including stress, burnout, uncertainty, and the pressures of early‑career environments. Through practical insights and discussion, the session empowers leaders and peers to create psychologically safe, inclusive workplaces where young workers feel valued, supported, and equipped to thrive.
Host : PHSA; Dr Claire Madden; Black Dog Institute ; Let's Talk Australia

Mental Health First Aid (Hybrid)

This one-day virtual workshop provides participants with the essential skills to provide mental health first aid in the workplace with participants receiving accreditation as a Mental Health First Aider through Mental Health First Aid Australia.
Host : The Happychondriac Society
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