Rehabilitation
Despite an employee retiring from employment, their previous Commonwealth or ACT Government employing agency remains the 'rehabilitation authority' for the purposes of the SRC Act and continues to have the authority, powers and obligations for the rehabilitation.
Should a retired employee be receiving incapacity payments and is certified fit to work, the rehabilitation authority may take all reasonable steps to assist the employee to find suitable employment. 'Suitable employment' for an employee separated from Commonwealth or ACT Government employment is any employment to which they are suited, having regard to the definition of suitable employment in section 4 of the SRC Act.
If an employee is able to undertake any work (including volunteer work), they need to provide Comcare with information regarding their employment - such as the name of the organisation, number of hours worked or volunteered, payslips etc. Ongoing incapacity payments are likely to need adjustment in such cases.
To ensure incapacity payments are calculated correctly and to avoid any overpayments an employee should contact Comcare if they have undertaken, or plan to undertake, any work (including volunteer work).
Claim reviews
Incapacity payments will continue to be monitored and reviewed by Comcare. Incapacity payments should not be relied upon in determining any long term financial plans.
In some cases, where the medical evidence supports that a return to employment is not possible, incapacity payments can potentially be payable to age 65 subject to tests of eligibility.
If an employee is injured on or after reaching age 63, incapacity payments may be payable after age 65 for up to a maximum of 104 weeks.