5.9.5.1 Worker eligibility for WISE

A worker may be eligible for WISE The WorkSafe Incentive Scheme for Employers (WISE) aims to secure full or part-time, durable work for workers who cannot RTW with their injury employer by placing them with a new employer. The new employer is paid a wage subsidy for taking on the worker. when the following conditions are met :

• they have a current work capacity Under the legislation, unless inconsistent with the context or subject-matter — current work capacity, in relation to a worker, means a present inability arising from an injury such that the worker is not able to return to his or her pre-injury employment but is able to return to work in suitable employment, declared training program (CWC Current Work Capacity ) for new employment; and

• the return to work (RTW Return to Work) goal is new employment, and

• the employment is for a minimum of 8 hours per week; and

• the employment is recognised by WorkSafe as appropriate for WISE; and

• the worker has an entitlement to weekly benefits; and

• the worker is in receipt of weekly payments whether pre- or post- retirement age (or weekly payments are scheduled to resume following a non-entitlement period), and

• where they are employed by a family member Family member means a partner, parent, grandparent, sibling or child of the worker or of the worker's partner and no other suitable employment option is achievable (see also Employer access to WISE for family members).

A worker may be eligible for WISE within three months of the date that any entitlement to weekly benefits ceased (the ‘effective’ date).

Exceptions can be considered at Agent request, by emailing occupational_rehab@worksafe.vic.gov.au however, Agents should indicate their own decision prior to seeking advice from WorkSafe.

WISE cannot be approved once a worker has received a common law payment that compensates for pecuniary loss A loss of earning capacity.

A worker is ineligible for WISE if they are:

• self-employed

• employed in a company where they are a director or board member.

Other conditions for WISE approval

When approving a WISE placement, the WorkSafe Agent must also consider that:

• more than one WISE placement can be approved during the same time period (concurrently)

• the total number of WISE placements is capped at 5 per claim

• WISE placements can’t be approved for more than 40 hours of work per week (across any single or combination of WISE placements).

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