90.5 Travel Costs Associated with an Approved Rehabilitation Program

The SRCA does not contain specific legislative provisions to cover the travel costs associated with a person's participation in a rehabilitation program.  Accordingly travel costs associated with a rehabilitation program can only be paid where client travel is included as a third party cost on a rehabilitation plan.

It is the responsibility of the Rehabilitation Coordinator in consultation with the approved Rehabilitation Provider to determine whether or not a person's participation in a rehabilitation program will cause that person to incur costs additional to normal work-related travel costs, and to ensure that these costs are included in the rehabilitation plan.

In deciding eligibility for the approval of travel costs the Rehabilitation Coordinator should consider the following points:

• costs for travel to and from a workplace can not be approved, except in exceptional circumstances;
• the cheapest method of transport available, taking into account any restrictions imposed by the compensable injury;
• whether overnight accommodation is required in order for a person to complete a component of their rehabilitation program, such as a vocational training course in a remote location; and
• when a private motor vehicle is used, to participate in the person's approved ongoing rehabilitation program or plan, then, the 50-kilometre rule must be applied when calculating travel costs. This calculation is based on the specified kilometre rate and total distance travelled.

When considering the amount of any reimbursement for travel expenses associated with a rehabilitation program, Rehabilitation Coordinators should refer to the guidelines provided above in relation to reimbursement of reasonable travel and/or accommodation costs to attend treatment.