Returning to work or study when living with injury, illness or disability

Things to consider before going back

There are things you can do to help you adjust. These include:

• understanding how your disability or illness will affect your study or work
• talking to your employer or education provider about changes you may need
• finding out what supports and services are available
• understanding your rights in the workplace and when studying.

Benefits of going back to work

There are benefits of returning to work, including:

• an increased feeling of independence
• being around people and socialising.

The Comcare website has more information about the benefits of returning to work.

Telling your employer or education provider

You can talk with them about changes to your situation. Talk with your health care provider about what your needs are.

Work with your employer or manager to set realistic goals that you can achieve.

You don’t have to tell your employer or education provider about your disability or illness. By telling them, they can accommodate changes you may need to your workplace or learning environment.

Find out about getting back into the workplace.

Payments that can help

You may be able to get Mobility Allowance to help with travel costs for work and study if you have difficulty using public transport.

Work Assist

Work Assist from JobAccess can help you manage your work by:

• helping you to redesign your job or role so you can keep working
• making changes to your workplace so you can continue to work
• getting special equipment to help you do your job.

You can get Work Assist by registering with a Disability Employment Service. Find out about Disability Employment Services on the Services Australia website.