4.2.4 Date of Assessment

The Date of Assessment has two important functions in the calculation:

• to determine the maximum rate of compensation under S24 and S27
  
  (for post 1 December 1988 impairments), and
• to assist in the retrospective application of (or exemption from) policy and legislative change to assessments made before or after the date of effect of the change.

While most assessments are made using today's date as the Date of Assessment, a different date could be required in circumstances such as:

• a reconsideration or review of determinations
• an audit of determinations.

When an earlier date of assessment is used, R&C ISH applies rates of compensation and legislative and policy changes applicable to that particular date when calculating the client's entitlements.

When calculating compensation for permanent impairment, R&C ISH refers to the statutory rates of compensation which are indexed annually under section 13 of the SRCA. Accordingly, a different calculation of compensation may result if the date of assessment is before (or after) a change in statutory rates.

For impairments which become permanent on or after 1 December 1988, the maximum rate of compensation to be applied under S24 and S27 is the rate in force at the date of assessment.

Where an impairment became permanent before 1/12/1988 (thus involving the 1930 or 1971 Acts), the maximum rate of compensation to be applied is the rate for the relevant Act that existed at the date the impairment became permanent. 

For more information about 1930 and 1971 Act permanent impairment assessments see Chapters 7 to 9 of this Manual.