Streamlined Access to Incapacity Payments is designed to support clients who are in the process of accepting an offer of employment and preparing to return to work. The policy can provide clients with confidence they can attempt a return to employment with full rehabilitation support, and if they not successful, their incapacity payments can be reinstated.
It is expected that Rehabilitation Providers and clients will work together to ensure that there is a good match between the client’s needs, skills, expectations and experience and the job that they have been offered. This will provide the client with the best possible opportunity to be successful in returning to sustainable employment. While this is a business as usual approach for any client who is participating in a vocational rehabilitation plan, it is recognised that mental health issues have the potential to create greater difficulties for clients, resulting in hesitancy regarding their return to employment. Issues that should be worked through before returning to work include (but are not limited to):
It is expected that if any of these issues are concerning the client prior to commencing new employment, the client and the Rehabilitation Provider will work together to develop management strategies. Undertaking this process may help to resolve whether a particular job is a suitable option, or whether it may be better for the client to be looking for an alternate role or employer.
In addition to potential difficulties, the range of benefits should also be discussed, including: