Head office: Level 1/244 Macquarie St, Liverpool NSW 2170
Tel: 1300 696 941
SIRA PROGRAMS
Finding Inspiration in Every Turn
SIRA Funded Programs
Extra support to help you recover and get back to work
If you have been injured at work or in a motor vehicle accident in NSW, there may be additional SIRA-funded programs available to help you recover at work or return to employment.
These programs can help with things such as:
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Gaining work experience
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Building confidence and work capacity
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Overcoming barriers to starting a new job
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Funding training or workplace equipment
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Supporting an employer to provide suitable work
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Providing financial incentives to a new employer
The programs available depend on whether you have a Workers Compensation claim or a CTP motor accident claim.
Expert Rehab can help you understand which programs may apply to your situation and work with you, your employer, insurer and treating team to put the right support in place.
NSW Workers Compensation
SIRA Funded Programs for Workers Compensation
SIRA provides a range of programs for eligible people with NSW Workers Compensation claims.
Depending on your recovery and return-to-work goals, one or more programs may be considered.
Work Trial
A Work Trial gives you an opportunity to gain work experience with a suitable host employer while you continue your recovery.
A Work Trial can help you:
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Build confidence returning to a workplace
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Improve your work capacity
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Develop or refresh work skills
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Gain recent work experience
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Explore whether a particular type of work is suitable for you
A Work Trial can generally run for up to 12 weeks.
Before the placement starts, a workplace rehabilitation provider will usually assess the workplace and develop an appropriate recovery-at-work plan.
More information:
https://www.sira.nsw.gov.au/resources-library/workers-compensation-resources/publications/help-with-getting-people-back-to-work/work-trial-guidelines2
Work Trial Agreement Form:
https://www.sira.nsw.gov.au/resources-library/workers-compensation-resources/forms/help-with-getting-people-back-to-work/Work-trial-agreement.pdf
Connect2work
Connect2work provides another way to gain experience with a host employer while you recover.
It may be useful where your pre-injury employer cannot provide suitable work, or where you are preparing to move into employment with a new employer.
The host employer may receive $200 per week during the placement.
Placements generally involve at least 15 hours of work per week.
More information:
https://www.sira.nsw.gov.au/resources-library/workers-compensation-resources/publications/help-with-getting-people-back-to-work/connect2work-guidance-material
Connect2work Host Agreement:
https://www.sira.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/822345/Connect2work-host-agreement.pdf
Equipment and Workplace Modifications
This program may help fund equipment or workplace modifications that are needed because of your injury.
This could include equipment or changes that help you:
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Remain safely at work
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Return to your existing employer
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Perform suitable duties
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Commence suitable work with a new employer
The equipment or modification must generally be directly related to your injury and return-to-work needs.
Vocational Program Details Form:
https://www.sira.nsw.gov.au/resources-library/workers-compensation-resources/forms/help-with-getting-people-back-to-work/Vocational-program-details-form.pdf
Training Program
The Training Program may help pay for suitable training where additional skills or qualifications are needed to help you return to work.
This could include a course, certificate or other recognised training that improves your ability to obtain suitable employment.
Training should be connected to a realistic employment or return-to-work goal.
Transition to Work
Transition to Work helps with short-term practical barriers that may be preventing you from looking for work or starting a new job.
There are two levels of assistance:
Tier 1 – up to $200
May help with smaller costs associated with preparing to look for work or commence employment.
Tier 2 – up to $5,000
May help where there is an immediate practical barrier preventing you from accepting suitable employment.
Depending on your circumstances, this may include things such as:
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Travel costs
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Short-term childcare arrangements
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Suitable work clothing
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Other reasonable costs associated with starting work
Vocational Program Details Form:
https://www.sira.nsw.gov.au/resources-library/workers-compensation-resources/forms/help-with-getting-people-back-to-work/Vocational-program-details-form.pdf
JobCover6
JobCover6 provides a financial incentive to a new employer who offers suitable paid employment to an eligible injured worker.
An eligible employer may receive up to:
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$10,400 over six months
The program can make it easier for an employer to offer you an opportunity while you continue building confidence and capacity at work.
The job will generally need to provide at least 64 paid hours per month, although some flexibility may apply depending on the circumstances.
JobCover6 / JobCover Placement Agreement:
https://www.sira.nsw.gov.au/resources-library/workers-compensation-resources/forms/help-with-getting-people-back-to-work/JCPP-JCP6-agreement.pdf
Employer Incentive Payment Claim Form:
https://www.sira.nsw.gov.au/resources-library/workers-compensation-resources/forms/help-with-getting-people-back-to-work/JobCover-placement-or-JobCover6-program-employer-incentive-payment-claim-form.pdf
JobCover Placement Program
The JobCover Placement Program provides a larger financial incentive to encourage a new employer to provide longer-term employment.
An eligible employer may receive up to:
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$27,400 over 12 months
The program may be suitable where returning to your pre-injury employer is no longer possible and you are seeking sustainable employment with a new employer.
The position will generally need to provide at least 64 paid hours per month and be intended to continue for at least 12 months.
JobCover6 / JobCover Placement Agreement:
https://www.sira.nsw.gov.au/resources-library/workers-compensation-resources/forms/help-with-getting-people-back-to-work/JCPP-JCP6-agreement.pdf
Recover at Work Assist for Small Business
This program helps eligible small businesses provide suitable work to an injured employee while they recover.
An eligible employer may receive up to:
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$400 per week for up to six weeks
The program is designed for eligible small employers with up to 19 full-time equivalent employees and is generally available within the first 26 weeks of the claim.
Vocational Program Details Form:
https://www.sira.nsw.gov.au/resources-library/workers-compensation-resources/forms/help-with-getting-people-back-to-work/Vocational-program-details-form.pdf
Not sure which program is right for you?
Expert Rehab can help you understand the options available under your claim.
Our rehabilitation consultants can assist with:
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Identifying suitable SIRA programs
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Discussing options with your insurer
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Liaising with your treating team
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Assessing potential workplaces
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Developing recovery-at-work plans
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Supporting host employer placements
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Assisting with JobCover programs
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Helping employers understand available incentives
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Coordinating the application process
Speak with Expert Rehab about the next step in your recovery and return-to-work journey.
Send an enquiry to info@expertrehab.com.au
Important information
Eligibility and approval requirements apply to all SIRA programs.
Program funding amounts, eligibility requirements and guidelines may change.
Clients and employers should refer to current SIRA guidance or speak with their insurer or workplace rehabilitation provider before relying on this information.
