SIRA funded programs

The NSW Workers Compensation Scheme is focused on supporting workers to recover at or return to work after work-related injury as research shows that work promotes recovery and reduces the risk of long-term disability and work loss.

These programs can be used individually or in combination, depending on the worker’s needs and ongoing eligibility.

Refer to our PDF leaflet for an easy-to-read overview of the programs available.

Work trial

A voluntary short-term work arrangement (up to 12 weeks) with a host-employer. Enables a worker to stay active and continue their recovery in a work setting.

• Work trial guidance material
• Work trial program potential - information for potential host employers (PDF)
• Work trial agreement (PDF)
• Work trial program - information for workers (PDF)

Connect2work program

A host employer receives $200 per week for a placement of 15 hours/week or more. Combined period for both programs is a maximum of 12 weeks.

• Connect2work information for workers and host employers
• Connect2work information for workers and host employers (PDF)
• Connect2work guidance material
• Connect2work host agreement (PDF)

Equipment

Used to purchase essential equipment for a role or make workplace modifications specific to a worker’s needs to enable recovery at work.

• Equipment and workplace modifications program guidance material
• Workplace equipment
• Other equipment and services

Training program

Covers costs associated with completing a training course, certificate or other study. Enables a worker to develop new skills and qualifications.

• Training program guidance material

Transition to work

Transition to work 'Tier 1' provides up to $200 to help a worker prepare for job seeking and 'Tier 2' up to $5,000 to address barriers to accepting an offer of employment with a new employer.

• Transition to work program guidance material

JobCover6

JobCover6 provides incentive payments of up to $10,400 over 6 months to help secure employment with a new employer.

• JobCover6 supporting recovery at work
• JobCover6 information for workers and employers
• JobCover6 information for workers and employers (PDF)
• JobCover6 agreement form (PDF)
• JobCover6 program employer incentive payment claim form (PDF)

JobCover placement program

This program provides incentives of up to $27,400 over 12 months to help secure employment with a new employer.

• JobCover placement program - information for workers and employers 
• JobCover placement program: Information for workers and employers (PDF)
• JobCover placement program guidance material
• JobCover placement program agreement form (PDF)
• JobCover placement employer incentive payment claim form (PDF)

Recover at work assist for small business (up to 19 full-time equivalent employees)

Provides an assistance payment of up to $400 per week for up to 6 weeks to help a small business offer suitable work and support their worker to return to work after an injury. Available within first 26 weeks after injury.

Your insurer will advise whether you and your employer are eligible for the program.

• Vocational program details form
• Vocational claim for payment form
• Vocational program closure report
• Recover at work assist for small business guidance material

Review process

If there is disagreement regarding eligibility or usage of a SIRA funded program, the worker should initially attempt to resolve these issues with the insurer. For guidance on how to proceed if a program request is denied, refer to the How to request a review of a program decision fact sheet.