NSW CTP Claim Time Limits: The 28-Day and 3-Month Rules

After a motor vehicle accident in NSW, the CTP claim time limits are easy to miss while you are dealing with pain and paperwork. Yet timing can affect the support you receive. This guide explains the 28-day rule, the three-month deadline and the simple steps that keep your claim on track.

What CTP insurance covers

Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance, often called the green slip, covers people injured in a motor vehicle accident in NSW. That can include drivers, passengers, pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists. Depending on your situation, a claim may help with treatment and care costs and with lost income.

Eligibility and benefits depend on the circumstances of the crash. The insurer makes those decisions under the NSW scheme, which SIRA regulates.

CTP claim time limits: the 28-day rule

The first of the CTP claim time limits is 28 days. If you claim within 28 days of the accident and you cannot work because of your injuries, weekly income payments can be paid from the day after the crash.

If you claim after 28 days, the insurer generally pays weekly payments from the date it receives your claim. In some cases, you may still be able to claim back to the accident date. For example, this can apply when you give a full and satisfactory explanation for the delay. So, if you are past 28 days, check your options with the insurer or CTP Assist.

The three-month CTP claim time limit

Generally, you should make your claim within three months of the accident. The three-month mark is the main deadline among the CTP claim time limits. A later claim may need a full and satisfactory explanation, and it may not be accepted. For that reason, it is best not to wait, even if your symptoms seem mild at first.

You can confirm the current rules on SIRA’s page for people injured in a motor accident.

What you need to make a claim

Gathering a few things early makes the process smoother:

• A police event number. Report the accident to police, usually within 28 days. You can call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.
• A medical certificate. Your doctor completes the SIRA Certificate of Fitness after assessing your injuries.
• Accident details. These include the date, time, place, vehicle registrations and any witnesses.
• Proof of earnings. Payslips or tax records help if you are claiming lost income.

How to lodge your CTP claim on time

You usually make your claim with the CTP insurer of the vehicle at fault. You can start online through Service NSW, or contact the insurer directly. If you are not sure which insurer to use, CTP Assist can help for free on 1300 656 919.

Keep copies of everything you send. In addition, write down the claim number and the name of your case manager.

How long benefits can last

The length of support depends on the type of injury and who was at fault. Threshold injuries, such as most soft tissue injuries including whiplash, generally attract benefits for up to 52 weeks. More serious injuries may attract longer support when you were not mostly at fault.

These rules are detailed and they do change. Therefore, ask the insurer to explain how they apply to your claim.

Why seeing a doctor early helps

A prompt medical assessment does more than start your treatment. It also creates a clear record that links your injuries to the accident. This matters because some injuries only show up days later. Our guide to delayed symptoms after a car accident explains what to look out for.

Your CTP claim time limits checklist

• Day 1 to 3: get medical care and report the accident to police.
• Within 28 days: lodge your claim to protect back-dated income support.
• Within 3 months: make sure your claim is lodged at the latest.
• Ongoing: keep your certificates current and attend your reviews.

Do you need a lawyer?

Many people manage a straightforward claim on their own, with help from CTP Assist. However, if your claim is complex or disputed, you may want independent legal advice. Injurease provides medical care and claim-related paperwork support, but we do not give legal advice.

If your injuries keep you off work, our guide to returning to work after a crash explains CTP income support and the Certificate of Fitness.

How Injurease can help

Our CTP doctors in Lakemba and Prestons assess and document your injuries, then complete your certificate where clinically appropriate. They also coordinate treatment and referrals. Meanwhile, our injury claim support team helps you keep approvals and appointments moving.

If you have been in an accident, book an assessment or call 1300 146 587.

This article is general information only and is not legal advice. Claim rules and time limits can change, so confirm current requirements with SIRA, CTP Assist or the relevant insurer.