5.5.8.1 Agent receives a DES-DMS notice
The DES-DMS will put an Agent on notice that there may be an amount owing for a VRS Vocational Rehabilitation Services program by way of a:
- Notice of Intent to Recover Costs
- Interim Notice of Charge or
- Final Notice of Charge.
See information
If an Agent becomes aware that there may be an amount owing to the DES-DMS they need to check that the worker has an accepted claim for the same injury or illness for which they are undertaking the VRS program.
If the Agent is unable to determine whether it is the same injury or illness, they need to seek information related to the nature of the injury for which the DES-DMS have funded the VRS program.
Where injury/illness is the same - accepted
If the Agent is satisfied that the injury and illness is the same, they need to advise the DES-DMS and confirm that payment will be made for the VRS program from any compensation the worker receives in accordance with the Final Notice of Charge.
The Agent also needs to inform the worker of their obligation to pay the DES-DMS for the cost of the VRS program in the event that the worker receives a lump sum, impairment benefit or common law damages payment and to provide the worker a copy of the confirmation letter sent to the DES-DMS.
Where injury/illness is the different
The Agent is not liable to pay the DES-DMS for the cost of the VRS program if the injury or illness for which the compensation is to be paid is different to the injury or illness for which the worker has undertaken the rehabilitation program funded by the DES-DMS.
If this is the case, the Agent must advise the DES-DMS in writing
Where there is uncertainty about the injury/illness
The Agent must determine whether the worker’s claim for a work-related An injury/disease is work related if it arose out of or in the course of employment and the scope of employment. injury or illness is the same injury or illness for which the DES-DMS funded the VRS program.
If the Agent is unable to determine whether it is the same injury or illness, the Agent must seek information related to the nature of the injury for which the DES-DMS funded the VRS program.
If Agent is unsure whether a notice has been received
If an Agent is uncertain whether a notice has been received from the DES-DMS or has not yet received a Final Notice of Charge, they need to verify this and seek a copy by calling the VRS Recovery and Debt Management Hotline on 1800 001 894.
Worker's claim for a work-related injury or illness - rejected
Where an Agent has rejected the worker’s claim for an injury or illness for which they are undertaking a VRS program they need to write to the DES-DMS requesting that the notice be withdrawn.