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Motor accidents
There’s support available to help you recover at work. This section explains how to recover at work, who can help you and the support available.
Working after your injury can help you get better quicker. It helps you get back to your usual activities and routines while you’re recovering.
See your doctor
Why recover at work?
The NSW Compulsory Third Party (CTP) scheme focuses on supporting people to get back to their normal activities, including work, after a motor accident injury.
Work helps you stay active and is an important part of your recovery.
Recovering at work may mean:
- continuing your normal job and attending treatment appointments before or after work
- doing the same job with different hours
- modified duties
- a different job, at the same workplace or a different workplace
- a training opportunity
- a combination of these options.
Did you know?
- the longer you’re away from work, the harder it can be to get back to work
- work helps you stay active and is an important part of your recovery
- staying active helps to reduce pain
- being at work is an opportunity to connect with people and be part of a community
- working provides financial security
- taking a long time off work is worse for you socially, emotionally and physically
- research shows that work promotes recovery and reduces the risk of long term disability and work loss.
How to recover at work
These strategies will help you whether you were working up to the motor accident or not.
- Focus on what you can do and talk to your doctor and your employer about what you can do safely
- Look into the supports you can get to help you recover at work
- Ask your support team (for example, your doctor or insurer) if you have questions (click on the recovery at work support tab above to learn more)
- Monitor your pain levels - remember some increase in pain during activity does not mean that you are making things worse.
- Think about what tasks and jobs you can do if you can’t do your usual tasks or job.
- If you have a job, stay in touch with your employer and the people you work with – there may be training opportunities you can take while you’re recovering.
What you should do
You should take reasonable steps to recover following your motor accident injury.
Recovery plan
A recovery plan sets out your injury management and recovery. If the insurer asks you to, you must participate in its development and then follow the actions set out in the plan.
Certificate of capacity/certificate of fitness
Make sure that your Certificate of Fitness is current and your insurer has a copy. The Certificate of Fitness must be issued by your treating doctor and is valid for up to 28 days. Second and subsequent certificates may be completed by your treating physiotherapist or psychologist using the Certificate of fitness - treating physiotherapist or psychologist. Check with your insurer. Keep your certificate up to date as your insurer may not be able to make payments without a current certificate.
Talk to your employer and the insurer
If you are working, or were working up till the motor accident, talk to your employer about what you can do at work and start planning for your recovery at work as early as possible. You should discuss:
- suitable work options
- any barriers or risks to your recovery and whether workplace modifications or equipment could be helpful (click on the recovery at work support tab above to learn more)
- your recovery plan
- your progress.
If your employer needs assistance with any of these, your insurer can arrange a workplace rehabilitation provider. Your employer also may be eligible for incentives to help them support your recovery at work.
To learn more about workplace rehabilitation providers, see the who can help me recover at work? tab above.
If you are not working, talk to your insurer about getting support to get job-ready or get a new job.
You have a team of people supporting your recovery and a range of programs available to help you recover at, or return, to work.
Insurer case manager
Your insurer will assign a case manager to coordinate your claim. They are your main point of contact for payment enquiries and medical treatment and expenses.
The insurer case manager:
- is in regular contact with you, your doctor, treatment providers and, where appropriate, your employer
- authorises and arranges payment for medical and related expenses and vocational programs (where appropriate)
- determines your entitlement to personal injury benefits, including compensation for lost income
- helps your employer to support your recovery at work
- arranges assessments or services to help determine your capacity / fitness for work
- is available throughout your claim to discuss your needs, barriers or issues that may impact on your recovery.
Doctor
Your doctor’s role is to support and optimise your recovery.
You choose your treating doctor. It might be your GP or it might be a specialist.
Your doctor will:
- assess, diagnose, and treat your injury
- advise on medical treatment
- advise you on your capacity for work (and fill out the Certificate of Capacity / Certificate of Fitness)
- provide information to the insurer case manager to assist in managing your claim and your recovery
- where appropriate, help you and your employer (and other members of your support team) with your recovery at work.
- use this guide to help prepare for your specialist appointment
Return to work coordinator
Your employer may have a return to work coordinator. If so, this person is one of the people you will have the most contact with.
Return to work coordinators:
- will work with you and your supervisor
- help coordinate your recovery at work
- are a key link between you and the rest of your support team
- are your main contacts regarding your recovery at work progress and any issues you have at work
- can organise workplace modifications or equipment to help you recover.
If your employer does not have a return to work coordinator there should be someone else who is responsible for recovery at work at your workplace.
It's your employer's responsibility to know if they are required to have a return to work coordinator.
Your employer
Your doctor may certify you as fit to work straight after the injury, or you might need some time off before you go back to work.
When you go back to work:
- you may be fine to do the same work you did before
- you may be able to do the same job as before, but need to do reduced hours or need special equipment to do the job
- or you may be fine to work but need to do different work.
You and your employer can work together to ensure your recovery at work is successful. Your employer may also be eligible for incentives that can help them support your recovery at work.
The insurer may also be able to provide a workplace rehabilitation provider to help you and your employer. You can learn more by clicking on workplace rehabilitation provider below.
Workplace rehabilitation provider
Workplace rehabilitation providers can assist you to recover at work by designing a plan after consulting with you, your employer, your doctor and the insurer.
They are health professionals like occupational therapists, physiotherapists, rehabilitation counsellors and psychologists.
They can:
- assess your workplace and review your duties
- identify ways to help you recover at work
- advise about work options if you are unable to recover at work with your pre-injury employer.
You can speak with the insurer to refer you to a workplace rehabilitation provider. Or you can find a workplace rehabilitation provider here.
SIRA’s role
We regulate the NSW workers compensation and CTP systems.
Our job is to make sure these systems provide the best possible outcomes while remaining affordable and sustainable in the long term.
Our role includes:
- supervising insurers so they comply with legislation and understand their obligations
- educating workers about their rights and responsibilities
- supervising service providers so that workers receive effective treatment to enable recovery at work
- making programs and incentives available to support recovery at work.
Visit our contact us page for our phone, email and feedback details.
Independent Review Office (IRO)
The Independent Review Office (IRO) helps injured people resolve claim complaints about Workers Compensation & CTP Insurers. If you have a complaint about your CTP insurer which you have been unable to resolve with them in the first instance, please get in touch with IRO.
See their contact details
Recover at work assist program
The Recover at Work Assist (RAW) program can be used for a maximum of 12 weeks and fund up to $4,800 in costs incurred by the pre-accident employer, when supporting the recovery of the injured person.
COVID-19 update
If a small business using the Recover at work assist program scales back/closes due to the impact of COVID-19, the remining period of the program can be resumed once the period of 'changed business operations' is over and you return to work on your upgrading plan.
What do I need to do?
Update the SIRA CTP programs to support recover at work - application form with the amended dates, when known, and submit to the insurer.
What is the program?
This program helps people injured in a motor vehicle accident stay at their current place of employment by providing incentives to the pre-accident employer to offer the injured person suitable duties while they recover at work. The program minimises the financial burden to the employer, who would otherwise not be able to offer suitable work, delaying the injured person’s recovery
The program allows:
- the employer to receive up to $400 per week for a maximum of 12 weeks from the start of the program
- the employee to recover at work using a structured recover at work plan
More information
- More information regarding the eligibility criterion and the process for application for the support program can be found in the SIRA Guidance - CTP Programs to Support Recovery at Work
- Alternately, please contact the CTP insurer
- Also see: SIRA CTP Programs to Support Recovery at Work - Application Form and Terms of SIRA CTP Programs to Support Recovery at Work
JobCover placement program
The JobCover Placement program (JCPP) funds up to $27,400 in incentives for employers to employ a worker with a motor accident injury
COVID-19 update:
For employers who have employed a person injured in a motor vehicle accident using this program but need to scale back or close their workplaces temporarily due to the impact of COVID-19, the duration of the program for the injured person will be increased to accommodate that period of change.
What do I need to do?
Employers should keep a record of the period of changed operations to support their claim for the incentive payments as their business re-opens, along with the usual proof of payment of wages to the injured person.
Employers and injured people should re-negotiate the new end date of the JCPP agreement when known and submit this new information in writing to the relevant CTP insurer.
What is the program?
The JCPP is designed to help an injured person secure ongoing employment with a new employer for a minimum period of 12 months. To support in making this offer of employment, incentive payments of up to $27,400 are made available for eligible employers, over a period of 12 months.
Incentive payments increase according to the length of time the injured person remains employed:
- up to $400 per week for first 12 weeks (maximum of $4,800)
- up to $500 per week for next 14 weeks (maximum $7,000)
- up to $600 per week for next 26 weeks (maximum $15,600)
JCPP also protects the employer from any costs associated with the aggravation of the existing injury(s) during the course of employment, for a period of 2 years.
More information
- More information regarding the eligibility criterion and the process for application for the support program can be found in the SIRA Guidance - CTP Programs to Support Recovery at Work
- Alternately, please contact the CTP insurer
- Also see: SIRA CTP Programs to Support Recovery at Work - Application Form and Terms of SIRA CTP Programs to Support Recovery at Work
- Read the CTP JobCover Placement Program – Information sheet for workers and employers
JobCover6
JobCover6 is a 6-month program that funds up to $10,400 in incentives for employers to employ a person recovering from a motor vehicle accident.
What is the program?
JobCover6 program has similarities to the JobCover Placement Program (JCPP) and has been developed to support people locate suitable work where ongoing employment cannot be confirmed with a new employer. The key difference between the two programs is the program duration i.e. JobCover6 allows for shorter periods of employment (from 12 to 26 weeks), while JCPP has a minimum employment requirement of 12 months.
The program provides incentives to an employer to help offset the costs of engaging and training a new worker (the injured person) and provides up to $400 per week for 6 months (maximum of $10,400).
JobCover6 also protects the employer from any costs associated with the aggravation of the existing injury(s) during the course of employment, for a period of 2 years.
More information
- More information regarding the eligibility criterion and the process for application for the support program can be found in the SIRA Guidance - CTP Programs to Support Recovery at Work
- Alternately, please contact the CTP insurer
- Also see SIRA CTP Programs to Support Recovery at Work - Application Form and Terms of SIRA CTP Programs to Support Recovery at Work
Transition to work program
The Transition to Work program helps pay for immediate or short-term costs that might prevent a worker from starting work with a new employee
COVID-19 update:
This program can be used to address a financial barrier that is preventing the injured person from accessing new employment.
What do I need to do?
The injured person needs to provide evidence of the financial barrier preventing them from accepting the offer of employment. This evidence then needs to be submitted along with the SIRA CPT Programs to Support Recovery at Work - Application Form to the relevant CTP insurer.
What is the program?
This program provides funding of up to:
- $200 to help the injured person in looking for employment
- $5,000 to address immediate or short term barriers that prevent you from accepting an offer of new employment.
Funds from the transition to work program can be used to pay for a range of items, including (but not limited to):
- Clothing (excludes personal protective equipment (PPE) and uniforms)
- Travel costs
- Child-care arrangements
The injured person needs to provide evidence of the financial barrier(s) and send that evidence along with their application to the CTP insurer.
More information
- More information regarding the eligibility criterion and the process for application for the support program can be found in the SIRA Guidance - CTP Programs to Support Recovery at Work
- Alternately, please contact the CTP insurer
- Also see SIRA CTP Programs to Support Recovery at Work - Application Form and Terms of SIRA CTP Programs to Support Recovery at Work
Training
Training can help the injured person develop new skills and qualifications to keep their job or to get a new one. As part of the statutory benefits, an injured person may be eligible for support to undertake training.
More information
- More information on how one can get support for training, read the SIRA Guidance - CTP Programs to Support Recovery at Work
- Alternately, please contact the CTP insurer
Equipment and workplace modification
Workplace equipment or modifications may help the injured person remain at work or commence work with a new employer. As part of the statutory benefits, the injured person may be eligible for equipment or workplace modifications.
More information
- More information on how one can get support with equipment and workplace modification, read the SIRA Guidance - CTP Programs to Support Recovery at Work
- Alternately, please contact the CTP insurer
Workers compensation
This section explains how to recover at work, who can help you and the programs available.
- Recovering at work
- Who can help me recover at work?
- SIRA funded programs to support recovery at work
See your doctor
Why recover at work?
The NSW Workers Compensation System focus on supporting workers to recover at work after an injury.
People who keep working, even if they can’t do everything at first, get better and return to usual activities quicker than people who take a long time off work.
Did you know?
- the longer you’re away from work, the harder it can be to get back to work
- work helps you stay active and is an important part of your recovery
- staying active helps to reduce pain
- being at work is an opportunity to connect with people and be part of a community
- working provides financial security
- taking a long time off work is worse for you socially, emotionally and physically
- research shows that work promotes recovery and reduces the risk of long term disability and work loss
How to recover at work
Have a strategy:
- focus on what you can do and talk to your doctor and your employer about what you can do safely
- help identify alternate duties if you can’t perform your normal duties
- stay in touch with your employer and the people you work with – there may be training opportunities you can take while you’re recovering
- look into programs we offer available to support your recovery at work
- ask your support team if you have questions, for example your doctor or supervisor at work
- monitor your pain levels - remember some increase in pain during activity does not mean that you are making things worse
- if you are a worker with hearing loss, read about workplace adjustments to help you work successfully, efficiently and safely
Your role
Your role is to take reasonable steps to recover following your workplace injury or illness.
The insurer may develop a plan for your injury management and recovery and you must participate in its development and then follow the actions set out in the plan.
You must also make sure that your certificate of capacity is current and your insurer has a copy.
The first certificate of capacity must be issued by your GP and is valid for up to 28 days. Second and subsequent certificates may be completed by your treating physiotherapist or psychologist using the Certificate of capacity - treating physiotherapist or psychologist.
Keep your certificate up to date as your insurer may not be able to make payments without a current certificate.
You should also talk to your employer about what you can do at work and start planning for your recovery at work as early as possible.
If you have a work-related injury your employer must help you to recover at work by offering you suitable work (where possible). Your employer is not allowed to dismiss you within six months of being deemed unfit for work.
Further information
- Certificate of capacity/certificate of fitness
- Injured at work: a workers compensation guide for workers
- A quick guide to workers compensation - information for workers
- Working with hearing loss - a workplace adjustment toolkit
- Preparing for my specialist appointment
- Benefits of working while you recover
Insurer case manager
Your insurer will assign a case manager to coordinate your claim. They are your main point of contact for payment enquiries and medical treatment and expenses.
The insurer case manager:
- is in regular contact with you, your doctor, treatment providers and your employer
- authorises and arranges payment for medical and related expenses and vocational programs (where appropriate)
- determines your entitlement to weekly compensation payments
- helps your employer to support your recovery at work
- arranges assessments or services to help determine your capacity / fitness for work
- is available throughout your claim to discuss your needs, barriers or issues that may impact on your recovery.
Further information
Doctor
Your doctor’s role is to support and optimise your recovery.
You choose your treating doctor. It might be your GP or it might be a specialist.
Your doctor will:
- assess, diagnose, and treat your injury
- advise on medical treatment
- advise you on your capacity for work (and fill out the Certificate of Capacity)
- help you and your employer (and other members of your support team) with your recovery at work.
Further information
Return to work coordinator
Your employer may have a return to work coordinator. If so, this person is one of the people you will have the most contact with.
Return to work coordinators:
- will work with you and your supervisor
- help coordinate your recovery at work
- are a key link between you and the rest of your support team
- are your main contacts regarding your recovery at work progress and any issues you have at work
- can organise workplace modifications or equipment to help you recover.
If your employer does not have a return to work coordinator there should be someone else who is responsible for recovery at work at your workplace.
It's your employer's responsibility to know if they are required to have a return to work coordinator.
Further information
Your employer
If your injury / illness is work related, your employer must help you find work in the workplace, which must be suitable and in line with your current capacity for work.
This does not necessarily mean doing the same work you did before – you may have capacity to do something different.
In the workers compensation system, your employer should:
- identify suitable work options
- develop a recover at work plan tailored to your recovery
- talk to your doctor about your recover at work plan and discuss your needs, barriers or risks to recovery, and your progress
- talk to the insurer about your injury management plan, your Certificate of Capacity, and any equipment or changes to the workplace you may require.
Where your employer needs assistance, they can call in a workplace rehabilitation provider.
You and your employer can develop a recovery at work plan tailored to your needs to ensure your recovery at work is successful. Your employer may also be eligible for incentives that can help them support your recovery at work. To find out more speak to the insurer or see the support programs.
Further information
Workplace rehabilitation provider
Workplace rehabilitation providers can assist you to recover at work by designing a plan after consulting with you, your employer, your doctor and the insurer.
They are health professionals like occupational therapists, physiotherapists, rehabilitation counsellors and psychologists.
They can:
- assess your workplace and review your duties
- identify ways to help you recover at work
- advise about work options if you are unable to recover at work with your pre-injury employer
- help maintain/establish a positive working relationship between yourself, employer or employer representative.
You can speak with the insurer to refer you to a workplace rehabilitation provider. Alternatively, you can find a workplace rehabilitation provider here.
Further information
SIRA’s role
We regulate the NSW workers compensation and CTP systems.
Our job is to make sure these systems provide the best possible outcomes while remaining affordable and sustainable in the long term.
Our role includes:
- supervising insurers so they comply with legislation, and understand their obligations to workers and employers
- helping employers understand their roles and obligations within the workers compensation system
- managing and approving some health providers
- assisting to resolve worker complaints relating to their employer or providers (health, workplace rehabilitation provider, etc)
- assisting to resolve queries and concerns relating to the workers compensation system from employers, insurers and other professionals.
We can be contacted through a variety of channels, visit our contact us page.
Independent Review Officer's role
The Independent Review Officer (IRO) is an independent statutory office with a variety of roles, which include:
- answering workers compensation enquiries from injured workers or their nominated representative
- investigating complaints about the conduct of workers compensation insurers made by an injured worker or their nominated representative
- managing the provision of legal assistance for injured workers
- investigating complaints about the conduct of CTP insurers made by an injured road user or their nominated representative
If you have been unable to resolve your workers compensation or CTP claims complaint with the insurer in the first instance, you can contact IRO to assist with gaining a resolution.
Phone: 13 94 76
Complaints: [email protected]
Website: www.iro.nsw.gov.au
Mental health and psychological injury recovery at work programs
We have a range of programs to help people manage their mental health in the workplace.
Recover at Work Assist for Small Business
This program helps small employers overcome financial hardship when providing suitable work to help their worker recover at work after a work-related injury or illness.
COVID-19 update: If a small business using the Recover at work assist program for a worker on a recovery at work plan scales back/closes due to the impact of COVID-19, the period of the program remaining can be resumed, once the period of changed business operations is over and the worker returns to work on their upgrading plan.
What do I need to do? Update the vocational program details form with the amended end dates when known and submit to the insurer.
How does it work?
The insurer provides your employer with an assistance payment of up to $400 per week for a combined total of up to six weeks.
This payment helps to offset the costs of making alternative arrangements to cover your usual duties while you participate in a recover at work plan and build capacity so you can return to your pre-injury duties and hours. For example, your employer might employ a casual staff member or offer overtime to existing staff.
Eligibility
You are eligible if you:
- are receiving weekly payments
- have current work capacity
- use the program within 26 weeks from the date the injury was entered into the insurer's system.
Small employers are eligible if they:
- employ up to 19 full-time (or equivalent) workers
- have a basic premium tariff of $30,000 or less
- hold a current workers compensation policy with an insurer in NSW
- can demonstrate that alternative arrangements have been made to carry out the worker’s pre-injury duties
- can demonstrate it is not reasonably practicable to offer suitable work
- can demonstrate that engaging additional assistance to enable the worker to recover at work will cause financial hardship to the business.
For more information read the Recover at Work Assist for Small Business guidance material, factsheet for employers, and insurers along with frequently asked questions about the program.
How to apply
Speak to the insurer about this program. They will advise whether you and your employer are eligible.
A workplace rehabilitation provider will conduct a workplace assessment and prepare a recovery at work plan in consultation with you, your employer and your doctor.
A member of your support team will:
- complete the vocational program details form
- confirm agreement from the insurer
- arrange payment for the assistance payment using the vocational claim for payment form
- complete the vocational program closure report.
If your request to use a SIRA-funded program has not been approved, find out how to request a review of a program decision.
Further information
- Recover at Work Assist for Small Business brochure
- Recover at Work Assist for Small Business - FAQs
- Recover at Work Assist for Small Business: Information for employers
- Recover at Work Assist for Small Business guidance material
- Recovery at work - It's just good business
- Vocational program: claim for payment form
- Vocational program: details form
- Vocational program: closure report form
- Workers compensation guide for employers
- Manage workplace safety
Work trial program
The work trial program is a voluntary short-term work arrangement that provides you with suitable work.
COVID-19 update: This program can be used to assist workers maintain their capacity for work if their pre-injury employer has had to scale back/close down due to the impact of COVID-19
When your pre-injury employer is unable to provide suitable work, a work trial places you (the trainee) with a new employer (host employer) for a short-term work arrangement of up to 12 weeks.
As a trainee you can keep active and:
- improve your capacity to return to your pre-injury job, or
- develop skills, knowledge, and experience in order to obtain a new job
- demonstrate your ability to a potential employer.
You don’t receive payment from your host employer during the work trial but you continue to receive weekly payments from the insurer.
The insurer or SIRA will pay for travel to and from the workplace as well as essential equipment to perform your work trial duties.
Read the work trial guidance material for more information.
Also read:
- Work trial program information for workers
- Work trial program information for potential host employers
Eligibility
You are eligible if you:
- are receiving or entitled to receive weekly workers compensation payments
- have capacity to work but your employer can’t provide suitable duties
- haven’t accepted a commutation or work injury damages settlement.
Employers are eligible if they:
- don’t have a workers compensation liability to you
- have no current employer/employee relationship with you
- hold a current workers compensation policy or self-insurer licence
- are not attached to your pre-injury employer by way of an insurance policy or insurance licence.
How to apply
Speak to your workplace rehabilitation provider or other members of your support team about using the work trial program if you can’t return to your job.
They will:
- help you find a work trial host employers and conduct a workplace assessment to match your capacity to the requirements of the job.
- arrange completion of the vocational program details form and the work trial agreement (so you can start the program)
- organise insurer approval
- organise payment for program costs using the vocational claim for payment form
- complete the vocational program closure report form (to record the outcome of the trial)
They should also use the work trial check list.
If your request to use a SIRA-funded program has not been approved, find out how to request a review of a program decision.
Further information
- Have you been injured at work? app
- Work trial guidelines
- Work trial program information for workers
- Work trial program information for potential host employers
- Vocational program details form
- Work trial agreement
- Work trial checklist
- Vocational program details form
- Vocational claim for payment form
- Vocational program closure report form
Equipment and workplace modification program
This program can be used to purchase equipment or make modifications to help you recover at work or start work with a new employer.
COVID-19 update: A worker who is receiving workers compensation payments and is required to work from home to manage social distancing requirements, may be able to be supported by SIRA’s equipment program
What do I need to do? Submit an application with evidence of the need to work from home due to COVID-19 for funding of relevant equipment using the vocational program details form.
Equipment and workplace modifications can be specific to your functional requirements or necessary for you to start a new role.
Read the equipment and workplace modification program guidance material for more information.
Eligibility
You are eligible if you:
- are receiving or entitled to receive weekly workers compensation payments when the program commences
- haven’t accepted a commutation or work injury damages settlement
- have used your entitlement to new employment assistance – if starting work with a new employer.
How to apply
Speak to your workplace rehabilitation provider, or insurer case manager about using the equipment and workplace modification program.
They will:
- determine if this program is suitable for you, can help you with equipment or workplace modifications that meet your needs and can be funded under this program.
- arrange completion of the vocational program details form
- organise insurer approval
- organise payment for program costs using the vocational claim for payment form.
If your request to use a SIRA-funded program has not been approved, find out how to request a review of a program decision.
Further information
Training program
This program can help you develop new skills and qualifications for a different role with your pre-injury employer or start a new job.
COVID-19 update:
Workers who are currently undertaking face to face training funded by SIRA, may need support to access equipment to study online if their training institution requires this.
What do I need to do? Discuss with the insurer and submit your request using the training application form and providing the information under the 'Do you need an extension amendment?' heading for the equipment if needed
Workers who may have to suspend their return to work for an extended period due to their workplace scaling back/closing down, may wish to consider if training could be used during this period to retain their motivation and prevent disengagement. For more information see SIRA’s training program materials
What do I need to do? Apply using the training application form. Document the reasons any of the program principles may not strictly be met and contact [email protected] if you are unsure.
What is it?
The training program can be used to pay for the costs associated with completing training with TAFE, a university or registered training organisation.
Costs might include course fees and associated expenses like stationery, textbooks, essential course equipment, travel and accommodation.
Read the training program guidance material for more information.
Eligibility
You are eligible if you:
- are receiving or entitled to receive, weekly workers compensation payments when the program commences
- haven’t accepted a commutation or work injury damages settlement
- have used your entitlement to the education or training assistance benefit where eligible
How to apply
Speak to your workplace rehabilitation provider, or insurer case manager about using the training program if you can’t return to your job.
They will:
- determine if this program is suitable for you and help you find training that can be eligible.
- arrange completion of the training program application form (so you can start the program)
- organise insurer approval
- organise payment for program costs using the vocational claim for payment form
- complete the vocational program closure report form (to record the outcome of the program).
If your request to use a SIRA-funded program has not been approved, find out how to request a review of a program decision.
Further information
JobCover placement program
This program is designed to help you secure ongoing employment with a new employer.
COVID-19 update:
For employers who have employed workers using the JobCover Placement program (JCPP) but need to scale back/close their workplaces temporarily due to the impact of COVID-19, the duration of the JCPP for the worker will be increased to accommodate that period of change.
What do I need to do?
Employers should keep a record of the period of changed operations to support their claim for the incentive payments as their business re-opens along with the usual proof of payment of wages to the worker.
Re-negotiate the new end date of the JCPP agreement with the employer/worker/ insurer when known and submit the amended agreement form to the insurer.
There are three benefits available to eligible employers to encourage an employer to offer you a job:
- incentive payments of up to $27,400 for up to 12 months
- your wages are not included in the new employer's workers compensation premium for two years
- the new employer is protected against the costs associated with your existing injury during the first two years of your employment.
Incentive payments increase according to the length of time you remain employed:
- up to $400 per week for first 12 weeks (maximum of $4,800)
- up to $500 per week for next 14 weeks (maximum $7,000)
- up to $600 per week for next 26 weeks (maximum $15,600).
Read the fact sheet for workers and employers for more information.
Eligibility
You are eligible if you:
- are receiving or entitled to receive weekly workers compensation payments when the program commences
- can’t return to work with your pre-injury employer because of your injury
- haven’t accepted a commutation or work injury damages settlement.
Employers are eligible if they:
- are able to offer employment to you for a minimum of 12 months
- can provide a minimum of 64 paid hours per month or a return to your pre-injury hours
- hold a current workers compensation policy or self-insurer’s licence.
Read the JobCover placement program guidance material for more information.
How to apply
Speak to your workplace rehabilitation provider, or insurer case manager about using the JobCover placement program.
They will:
- determine if this program is suitable for you and help you find potential host employers and conduct a workplace assessment to match your capacity to the requirements of the job.
- complete the JobCover program agreement form
- organise insurer approval (agreement)
- organise payments using the JobCover incentive payment claim form (for employers).
If your request to use a SIRA-funded program has not been approved, find out how to request a review of a program decision.
Further information
Transition to work program
This program helps pay for immediate or short term costs that might prevent you from starting work with a new employer.
COVID-19 update:
This program can be used to address a financial barrier that is preventing a workers from accessing new employment.
What do I need to do? Provide evidence of the financial barrier preventing you from accepting the offer of employment. Then submit your application to the insurer using the vocational program details form vocational program details form.
It provides funding of up to:
- $200 to help you job-seek or start work
- $5,000 to address immediate or short term barriers that prevent you from accepting an offer of new employment.
The funding could be used to pay for a range of things including:
- travel costs
- relocation and accommodation
- child care
- clothing and related expenses
Read the transition to work guidance material for more information.
Eligibility
You are eligible if you:
- can’t return to work with your pre-injury employer because of your injury
- have a barrier or need that is preventing you from finding or accepting new employment
- are receiving or are entitled to receive, weekly workers compensation payments or recently stopped weekly payments because you started working
- haven’t accepted a commutation or work injury damages settlement.
- have used your entitlement to new employment assistance
How to apply
Speak to your workplace rehabilitation provider, or insurer case manager about using the transition to work program.
They will:
- determine if this program is suitable for you, help you access items that meet your needs and can be funded under this project
- arrange completion of the vocational program details form
- organise insurer approval
- organise payment for program costs using the vocational claim for payment form.
For information on what to do when a request to use a SIRA funded program has not been approved, find out how to request a review of a program decision.
Further information
JobCover6
This program is designed to help you secure employment with a new employer.
The JobCover6 provides three benefits to eligible new employers to encourage an employer to offer you a job:
- incentive payments of up to $10,400 for up to 6 months
- exemption of your wages from their workers compensation premium calculation for two years
- protection against the costs of changes to your existing injury for up to two years.
Employer incentive payment
The employer incentive payment is up to $400 per week and is payable over the first 6 months of work up to a maximum amount of $10,400.
You are eligible if you:
- have capacity for work and are looking for new employment.
- are receiving, or are entitled to receive, weekly workers compensation payments under the Workers Compensation Act 1987 (1987 Act)
- haven’t accepted a commutation or work injury damages settlement.
An employer may be eligible if they:
- have offered employment to you for an agreed period for a minimum of 64 paid hours per month or a return to pre-injury hours. Fewer hours may be considered if it can be demonstrated that the you will progress to meet this requirement within a reasonable timeframe
- hold a current workers compensation policy with an insurer or a self-insurer’s licence
Read the JobCover6 guidance material for more information
How to apply
Speak to your insurer case manager or workplace rehabilitation provider about using the JobCover6 program.
The JobCover6 information for workers and employers can be used to help you with finding an employment opportunity.
They will:
- determine if this program is suitable for you
- help you look for work with a new employer
- arrange a workplace assessment to match your capacity to the requirements of the job
- complete the JobCover program / JobCover6 agreement form
- organise insurer approval (agreement)
- inform your new employer how to claim the incentive payments using the JobCover / JobCover6 incentive payment claim form.
If your request to use a SIRA-funded program has not been approved, find out how to request a review of a program decision.
Connect2work
Connect2work is a voluntary short-term work placement with a host employer. It supports recovery at work for workers where:
- your pre-injury employer is unable to offer suitable work due to or
- you are looking for new employment.
How does it work?
Connect2work places you (the trainee) with a host employer for a voluntary short-term work placement of up to 12 weeks.
The insurer provides the host employer with an assistance payment of $200 per week for a combined total of up to 12 weeks (to a maximum amount of $2,400) to cover any out of pocket expenses to provide you with on the job training and support.
As a trainee you can keep active and continue your recovery through work by enabling you to increase your tasks and capacity for work.
The host employer does not pay you during the placement. If you are entitled, you will continue to receive weekly payments from the insurer during the Connect2work placement.
You will also receive payment for travel to and from the workplace as well as essential equipment to perform the duties.
Read the Connect2work guidance material for more information.
The Connect2work information for workers and employers can be used to help a worker find host placement opportunity.
For more information about work trial read the Work trial guidance material.
Hear2Talk
The Hear2Talk mental health phone support service is no longer available. A range of other mental health support services and information is available to help you or someone you know who is having a difficult time.
For any emergency assistance, call 000.
| Crisis support services | Contact | About the service |
|---|---|---|
| LifeLine | Call 13 11 14 Available 24/7 | Free telephone support service for anyone in Australia having difficulty coping or feeling suicidal. |
| 13Yarn | Call 13 92 76 | 13Yarn is run by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It is a free national crisis support line for people who are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping. |
| Beyond Blue | Call 1300 22 4636 Available 24/7 | Provides free mental health phone-based support for people who are concerned about anxiety, depression or suicide. |
| Other support services | Contact | About the service |
| Mental Health Line (NSW) | Call 1800 011 511 Available 24/7 | 24/7 NSW service which links people with NSW mental health services. |
| SANE Australia | Call 1800 187 263 | SANE’s team of trained staff and volunteers provide free support, information, and resources. |
| Employee Assistance Program (EAP) | Ask your employer if they have an EAP provider | Your workplace may have an EAP available, which provides callers with access to free counselling support for people experiencing mental health challenges. You can usually check your EAP provider on your workplace intranet or contacting your manager or human resources. |
Speak with your General Practitioner (GP)
You can also have a chat to your GP about any mental health challenges. Doctors can provide treatment or refer you to other services for mental health. If you don’t have a regular doctor, you can search for a GP close to you.
If you have a motor crash claim
SIRA’s CTP Assist service can help you if you or a family member have been injured in a motor crash. The team can help you navigate the claims process and understand your entitlements. Contact CTP Assist on 1300 656 919.
If you have a workers compensation claim
If you have been injured at work and have a workers compensation claim, you can contact 13SIRA (13 74 72) to understand your choices, rights, and responsibilities in the NSW Workers Compensation Scheme.