From 1 July 2021, new legislation has been introduced to help Victorian employees access early treatment and support for work-related mental injury workers compensation claims.
Payment for this support is called Provisional Payment. It’s aimed at expediting access to early treatment to help with recovery and a faster return to work, with payment approval granted within 5 days of application.
Employees who are entitled to provisional payments can claim the reasonable costs of medical treatment and services, such as consultations with general practitioners, psychologists and psychiatrists, the purchase of medications, and costs of travelling to receive treatment.
If you have sustained a work-related mental health condition, it is important to get early treatment and support to assist with your recovery and remaining at work in suitable employment consistent with medical advice. Please speak with your manager, a healthcare provider and/or the Injury Management team as early as possible.
To access the provisional payments, you will need to submit a valid workers compensation claim that specifies that your mental injury is related to work. The WorkSafe Agent will then make a determination within two business days if you are entitled to the provisional payments.
It is important to remain in regular contact with your manager and focus on your recovery to commence on a positive return to work journey.
For further information, please contact the Injury Management Advice Line on (03) 9554 1852 or alternatively via email at wcadmin@monashhealth.org
Find out more about how Provisional Payments will work for you
Approved by Karen Lowe