What Is a Certificate of Capacity?
If you’ve experienced a workplace injury or work-related illness in Victoria and are submitting a WorkCover claim, one of the first requirements is obtaining a Certificate of Capacity. This official medical certificate, completed by legally qualified medical practitioners, outlines your injury, specific functional impairments, and your ability to work or undertake daily tasks.
This document serves as a critical communication tool between you, your employer, and both the WorkCover insurer and TAC (Transport Accident Commission). It determines your eligibility for compensation entitlements, such as weekly payments, medical expenses, and support for returning to work following a workplace injury or transport accident. Without a valid certificate, your claim may be delayed or considered invalid, potentially affecting your access to important compensation benefits.
Who Can Complete a Certificate of Capacity?
Only a treating medical practitioner—such as a general practitioner, hospital doctor, or specialist—can complete your Certificate of Capacity. The initial certificate, or first certificate, is generally issued after your initial consultation and can cover up to 14 days from the date of assessment.
Subsequent certificates are required every 28 days or longer, depending on your recovery and whether special exemptions apply. The medical practitioner completing the certificate must provide a precise diagnosis, details about the body part injured, and a clear capacity assessment regarding whether you can work safely, perform certain tasks, or need necessary accommodations.
At Lex Medicus, we support injured workers, insurers, and legal professionals through expert medico-legal services, including independent medical examinations (IME). Our specialists provide impartial assessments that contribute to more informed decisions about work capacity and treatment pathways.
What Does a Certificate of Capacity Include?
A Certificate of Capacity outlines the nature of your injury or illness, including the affected body part, a review date, and recommendations for medical treatment or suitable duties. It also assesses your capacity to return to work—whether in full, in part, or not at all.
This document serves as a critical communication tool between the injured worker, employer, and the insurer (whether it’s for WorkCover or TAC claims). It provides the necessary information for managing your workers’ compensation or TAC compensation claim. The certificate typically includes your contact details, your treating doctor’s provider number, a signed worker declaration, and guidance on whether you’re fit for self-employment or other modified duties.
Whether it’s for short-term recovery or longer periods, the Certificate of Capacity helps support your return to meaningful work, manage lost wages, cover medical expenses, and ensure your rights are protected during your recovery and claim process.
How to Get and Submit a Certificate of Capacity
To obtain your initial Certificate of Capacity, you must consult a legally qualified medical practitioner—typically a general practitioner—as soon as possible following your work injury. The certificate must be completed correctly, including all necessary details about your injury, and it must be signed by both you and your treating medical practitioner.
It is your responsibility to provide each new or ongoing certificate to your employer and WorkCover or TAC insurer. Ensure that the certificate is submitted before the current one expires to avoid disruptions in your weekly payments and compensation entitlements. Failing to do so could result in delays or gaps in your benefits.
What If Your Certificate of Capacity Is Invalid or Missing?
If your Certificate of Capacity is late, incomplete, or not issued by a legally qualified medical practitioner, it may be deemed invalid. This can lead to delays in processing your claim and may disrupt your weekly payments and coverage for medical expenses.
Only one Certificate of Capacity can be valid at a time, and backdating is only allowed under specific circumstances and within strict time limits, as outlined by the regulations. If your certificate is not renewed by the specified review date, there may be a gap in your compensation or treatment.
At Lex Medicus, we can assist in these situations. Our independent medical examination (IME) reports are particularly valuable in cases involving disputes, questions regarding work capacity, or where a second opinion is needed due to complex or specific circumstances.
Supporting Return to Work With the Certificate of Capacity
The Certificate of Capacity helps define whether an injured worker can return to suitable duties, perform certain tasks, or needs more recovery time before resuming their job. The capacity issued in the certificate ensures your employer understands what accommodations may be needed for you to work safely.
By clearly outlining your work capacity and identifying whether you’re fit for modified or transitional duties, the Certificate of Capacity supports a smoother and safer return to work. When completed thoroughly and submitted on time, it plays a central role in maintaining your access to weekly payments, medical treatment, and overall support.
Why Choose Lex Medicus?
At Lex Medicus, we specialise in medico-legal services that support WorkCover claims, legal proceedings, and insurance assessments. Founded by experts in both medicine and science, we bridge the gap between medicine and the law. Our team of over 220 medical professionals provides impartial, high-quality reports for workers’ compensation cases, including certificates of capacity. With a commitment to integrity, excellence, and personalised service, we ensure that every assessment aligns with both clinical standards and legal requirements.