Step-by-Step Guide: Making a WorkCover Claim in Queensland & Appointing Angela Elia as Your Treating Psychologist
This guide is designed to help you as the “ injured worker” understand the process clearly and take the right steps. It is based on current WorkCover Queensland information and is intended as general guidance only. Individual circumstances can vary (especially if your employer is self-insured). Always confirm details with WorkCover Queensland or your case manager as a precaution.
Part 1: How to Make a WorkCover Claim
1. Report the injury to your employer
Tell your employer about the injury or illness as soon as possible (preferably in writing). Keep a copy of any email, text or form you send.
Your employer must report it to their insurer within 8 business days, but you can still lodge a claim yourself even if they haven’t.
2. See a doctor and obtain a Work Capacity Certificate
Book an appointment with a GP, nurse practitioner or dentist (psychologists cannot issue the initial certificate).
Ask specifically for a Work Capacity Certificate. This is the medical form WorkCover needs. Make sure it clearly lists all injuries or symptoms related to work (including any secondary psychological impacts).
Keep a copy for yourself.
3. Lodge your claim
You must actively lodge the claim yourself (as of 1 July 2025, a doctor sending the certificate no longer automatically starts the claim).
Ways to lodge:
- Online (quickest) via the WorkCover Queensland Worker Assist portal
- Phone: 1300 927 928
- Paper form (download from the WorkCover website) – upload online, fax to 1300 651 387, or post to GPO Box 2459, Brisbane QLD 4001
You will need:
- Your personal details
- Employer’s name and location
- The Work Capacity Certificate
- Details of how and when the injury occurred
Time limits
- Within 6 months of diagnosis, or
- Within 20 business days of a doctor first assessing the injury as causing total or partial incapacity for work.
Late claims may still be considered in limited circumstances (e.g. genuine mistake or reasonable cause).
4. WorkCover reviews your claim
They aim to decide most claims within 20 business days. They may contact you, your employer or your doctor for more information. You will be kept updated.
5. If your claim is accepted
You can access reasonable and necessary medical treatment (including psychology), wage replacement if needed, and support to return to work safely.
Part 2: How to Have Angela Elia Appointed as Your Treating Psychologist
You have the right to choose your own treating psychologist. WorkCover Queensland supports this choice.
Follow these simple steps:
- Confirm your claim is lodged (and ideally accepted)
You will need your WorkCover claim number. - Speak to your GP
Ask your doctor to write a referral for psychological treatment with Angela Elia, Psychologist (Alegna Solutions Psychology).
The referral should note that the treatment is related to your work injury. - Contact Alegna Solutions
Call or email the practice and let them know:- You have an accepted (or lodged) WorkCover claim
- Your claim number
- That you would like Angela Elia to be your treating psychologist
- Your GP’s referral (you can send it or they can request it)
- Approval process
The practice will usually:- Contact your WorkCover case manager on your behalf (with your consent)
- Confirm funding approval for psychology sessions
- Arrange your first appointment once approval is in place
- Start treatment
Once approved, sessions with Angela are billed directly to WorkCover. There is normally no out-of-pocket cost for approved treatment. Angela will work with you, your GP and the case manager on a recovery and return-to-work plan.
Helpful tip
You can begin the conversation with Alegna Solutions while your claim is still being assessed. For many mental-injury claims, early psychological support can be funded while the claim is decided.
Ready to take the next step?
Contact Alegna Solutions today and let us know you have a WorkCover claim. We will guide you through the remaining paperwork and help make the process as straightforward as possible.
You don’t have to navigate this alone. Support is available, and choosing the right treating psychologist is an important part of your recovery.
This information is general only and does not replace official advice from WorkCover Queensland or independent legal advice. Processes can change — always check the latest details at workcoverqld.com.au or by calling 1300 927 928.