The Re-employment Incentive Scheme for Employers (RISE) supports you to provide a job to injured workers who cannot return to their previous employer. Sometimes a worker’s injury makes it hard for them to do their old job but they are capable of doing a different job. By providing a job to an injured worker, you may be eligible for a significant financial incentive and support through RISE. You will also have access to a pool of skilled workers who may be suitable for your industry. Providing an injured worker with a ‘second chance’ and an opportunity to return to meaningful and ongoing employment is an important step in their recovery.
Returning injured workers to the workplace is good for everyone.

By employing an injured worker through the RISE program you may qualify for a range of benefits and support, including:

• reimbursement of 40% of gross wages* for up to the first 52 weeks of employment
• access to support from a workplace rehabilitation provider to ensure the transition into the new job is smooth for the worker and employer
• consideration of payments to cover costs such as minor workplace modifications and equipment to assist the worker.

It is also important to note that if the worker aggravates their pre-existing injury - and it is medically established that it is an aggravation - the claim will be recorded against the employer where the injury first occurred, it will not be recorded against you.

*When calculating gross wages for the purpose of receiving incentives, employers must exclude allowances, over time, superannuation, commissions and recoverable compensation paid to the worker from any calculation.

If you have a job vacancy, you should forward it to WorkCover’s RISE Coordinator who will then advertise the job to injured workers via workplace rehabilitation providers and case managers at Employers Mutual (WorkCover’s claims agent).

The workplace rehabilitation provider and/or case manager will ensure the injured worker has their doctor’s approval to undertake the job before they apply for the vacancy. The case manager, workplace rehabilitation provider or doctor may ask for a detailed job description or workplace visit to clarify vocational and functional demands of the job. If you are interested in the worker, you and the worker can meet and if you decide to employ the worker, the workplace rehabilitation provider will arrange approval for RISE benefits and supports through Employers Mutual.

Wage reimbursements are made to you four-weekly in arrears. A copy of wage records or other documentation that can verify wages paid to the worker must accompany the RISE Wage reimbursement request when seeking reimbursement.

More information about eligibility for RISE can be found on the RISE information for employers sheet.

Changes were introduced to RISE, effective 1 September 2010, but previous RISE agreements will be maintained until their conclusion.

RISE information for employers [865KB]

RISE information for workers [797KB]

RISE brochure [961KB]

Forms for those on existing RISE agreements (established prior to 1 September 2010) are provided below, as are new forms for people undertaking RISE post 1 September 2010.

For employers on RISE post 1 September 2010, please use the following forms to apply for RISE and to request wage reimbursements.

RISE information and approval form [646KB]

Please note: the workplace rehabilitation provider will ensure you fill this out at the appropriate time

RISE wage reimbursement request [479KB]

For employers on an existing RISE agreement (established prior to 1 September 2010), please continue to use the following forms:

Re-employment incentive monthly wage return (for approvals prior to 1 September 2010 only) [38KB]

RISE 12 month retention bonus form (for approvals prior to 1 September 2010 only) [34KB]

WorkCover's RISE Coordinator:

Email: rise-support@workcover.com
Call: 13 18 55 (ask for WorkCover’s RISE Coordinator)

We would love to hear about your success employing someone through RISE. You can contact the RISE Coordinator at WorkCoverSA.

Email: rise-support@workcover.com
Call: 13 18 55 (ask for WorkCover’s RISE Coordinator)