Question 1

What is My Overtime?

Accepted Answer

My Overtime is an online service that helps Australian employees check whether they may have a possible assistance request for unpaid overtime, penalty rates, allowances, or lost earnings while on light duties or workers compensation.

Question 2

Who is eligible to check their entitlements?

Accepted Answer

You may be eligible if you were regularly working overtime before a workplace injury, and then placed on light duties or suitable duties where overtime was no longer available. Australian employees in all states and territories can use the checker.

Question 3

How does the eligibility checker work?

Accepted Answer

The eligibility checker asks questions about your employment, overtime history, light-duties period, and available evidence. It then gives you a High, Medium, or Low possibility result based on your answers.

Question 4

How accurate is the assistance estimate calculator?

Accepted Answer

The calculator provides a rough estimate only. Actual entitlements depend on your award, enterprise agreement, workers compensation rules, payroll records, pay rises, legal time limits, and how your employer or insurer calculates weekly earnings. Every state and territory uses different calculation methods.

Question 5

Is the information on this site legal advice?

Accepted Answer

No. My Overtime provides general information only and is not a substitute for legal advice. We recommend you verify entitlements with the Fair Work Ombudsman, your union, payroll, insurer, or a qualified workplace lawyer.

Question 6

What evidence do I need to support an assistance request?

Accepted Answer

Useful evidence includes payslips showing regular overtime, rosters, timesheets, medical certificates, suitable duties plans, correspondence with your employer or insurer, and any records of refused overtime.

Question 7

What if my light duties started more than 5 years ago?

Accepted Answer

Workers compensation and workplace assistance requests are subject to limitation periods that vary by State and Territory. If your light duties started more than 5 years and 6 months ago, you may have exceeded a time limit. You should still speak with a qualified workplace lawyer or your union, as exceptions may apply.

Question 8

How does workers compensation affect overtime entitlements?

Accepted Answer

Workers compensation weekly payments are often calculated using Pre-Injury Average Weekly Earnings (PIAWE) or Normal Weekly Earnings (NWE). If these calculations do not include regular overtime, penalty rates, or allowances, your payments may be lower than they should be.

Question 9

What are the differences between Basic Report, Payment Review Toolkit, and Premium?

Accepted Answer

Basic Report provides a summary of your possible entitlements. Payment Review Toolkit includes templates and guidance for approaching your employer. Premium Administrative Assistance provides hands-on administrative help preparing your communications and navigating next steps.

Question 10

How should I approach my employer about unpaid overtime?

Accepted Answer

Start by gathering your evidence and understanding your award or agreement. Use a clear, polite written approach. Our templates and guidance can help you structure your request. If you are unsure, consider speaking with your union or a workplace lawyer first.

Question 11

What if my employer refuses to pay?

Accepted Answer

If your employer refuses, you can escalate to the Fair Work Ombudsman, your union, or a workplace lawyer. For workers compensation matters, you can also raise the issue with your insurer or the workers compensation tribunal in your state.

Question 12

Is my information kept confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We only collect the information needed to provide estimates and guidance. We do not share your personal information with third parties without your consent. See our Privacy page for full details.

Question 13

How long does the process take?

Accepted Answer

The eligibility checker takes about 3 minutes. Gathering evidence and preparing an assistance request can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on how accessible your records are and how you choose to proceed.

Question 14

Do you provide assistance in all Australian states and territories?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our tools are designed for Australian employees in NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA, TAS, ACT, and NT. Note that workers compensation laws, limitation periods, and calculation methods differ between states.

Question 15

What are penalty rates and allowances?

Accepted Answer

Penalty rates are higher pay rates for working unsocial hours such as evenings, weekends, or public holidays. Allowances are extra payments for specific conditions, such as travel, meals, tools, or dirty work. If you lost these during light duties, they may form part of your assistance request.

Question 16

Can I contribute to My Overtime?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If our free tools or information have been helpful, you can make a voluntary contribution to help us maintain and improve My Overtime for other Australian workers. Contributions are optional, processed securely, and do not grant access to paid reports or services.

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