Certificate of Capacity explained

Your nominated treating doctor issues this document early in your claim, and the insurer relies on it throughout. Here is what it actually says, who can issue one, and how often it needs renewing.

The Certificate of Capacity is one of the first documents you will deal with after a work injury, and it keeps mattering for as long as your claim runs. It is a standard form your nominated treating doctor completes that describes your injury, what you can currently do, and what treatment you need. The insurer uses it to decide what to pay and to help build your return to work plan, so it is worth understanding what goes into it.

Who issues it

The first Certificate of Capacity is typically completed by your nominated treating doctor, usually your GP, in consultation with you. For second and subsequent certificates, a SIRA-approved treating physiotherapist or psychologist can also issue one, for injuries within their area of expertise, using a separate designated form. Your doctor stays the one who completes the initial certificate.

What it includes

The certificate records your name and personal details, the type of injury or illness and the date it occurred, your treatment plan, and how the injury affects your ability to perform your usual activities, including work. It also names the practitioner who issued it, including their provider number.

Most importantly for your claim, it states your current capacity: whether you are capable of your pre-injury duties, capable of some type of work, or currently unable to work in any capacity. This finding is what the insurer and your employer use to work out suitable duties or hours.

How the insurer uses it

The certificate helps the insurer make informed decisions about your ability to work and your entitlement to weekly payments. It also feeds into your injury management plan, the document that sets out your treatment, rehabilitation and, if needed, retraining, and it helps your employer identify suitable work adjustments so you can recover at work or return to work with the right support.

Keeping it current

A Certificate of Capacity cannot be issued for more than 28 days without specific reasons, so you will need a new one at least that often while your claim is active. If a certificate lapses without a new one in place, the insurer can pause your weekly payments after giving you 7 days' notice that a new certificate is required, so it pays to book your follow-up before the current one runs out. If a later certificate overlaps with an earlier one, the later certificate takes precedence for the period it covers.

Keep a copy of every certificate you are issued. If your capacity changes, tell your treating doctor so the next certificate reflects it accurately, since this is what your employer and insurer will be working from.

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