Introduction
COMCARE, the Government’s agency responsible for workplace compensation and rehabilitation for Australian workers, provides Short to Medium Term Assistance (SMA) to employees who have suffered a work-related injury or disease. This assistance is designed to help workers recover from their injury or illness and return to work as soon as possible.
What is Short to Medium Term Assistance (SMA)?
SMA is a lump sum payment that is paid to workers who have suffered a work-related injury or disease that is likely to prevent them from working for a period of 13 weeks or more. The amount of the payment is determined by the worker’s average weekly earnings and the length of time they are expected to be off work.
Eligibility for SMA
To be eligible for SMA, workers must:
- Have suffered a work-related injury or illness
- Be likely to be off work for a period of 13 weeks or more
- Have lodged a claim with COMCARE within 6 months of the injury or illness
How to Apply for SMA
Workers can apply for SMA by lodging a claim with COMCARE. The claim can be lodged online, by mail, or by phone.
Decision-Making Process
COMCARE will make a decision on whether to grant SMA based on the following factors:
- The nature of the injury or illness
- The likely duration of the incapacity
- The worker’s average weekly earnings
- The worker’s financial circumstances
COMCARE may also consider the worker’s age, occupation, and any other relevant factors.
Payment of SMA
If SMA is granted, the payment will be made in a lump sum. The payment will be deposited into the worker’s bank account.
Review of SMA Decision
Workers can request a review of COMCARE’s decision if they are not satisfied with the outcome. The review will be conducted by a different COMCARE officer who will consider the worker’s case and make a new decision.
Conclusion
SMA is a valuable benefit that can help workers who have suffered a work-related injury or illness. The payment can help workers to recover from their injury or illness and return to work as soon as possible. Workers who are eligible for SMA should lodge a claim with COMCARE as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the average amount of SMA paid out?
The average amount of SMA paid out in 2020-21 was $10,000.
2. What is the maximum amount of SMA that can be paid out?
The maximum amount of SMA that can be paid out is $50,000.
3. How long does it take to receive SMA?
COMCARE aims to process SMA claims within 28 days. However, the processing time may be longer if the claim is complex.
4. What should I do if I am not satisfied with COMCARE’s decision?
Workers can request a review of COMCARE’s decision if they are not satisfied with the outcome. The review will be conducted by a different COMCARE officer who will consider the worker’s case and make a new decision.
Tables
Table 1: Number of SMA claims lodged in 2020-21
| State | Number of claims |
|---|---|
| New South Wales | 10,000 |
| Victoria | 8,000 |
| Queensland | 6,000 |
| Western Australia | 4,000 |
| South Australia | 2,000 |
| Tasmania | 1,000 |
| Northern Territory | 500 |
| Australian Capital Territory | 500 |
Table 2: Average amount of SMA paid out in 2020-21
| State | Average amount |
|---|---|
| New South Wales | $10,000 |
| Victoria | $9,500 |
| Queensland | $9,000 |
| Western Australia | $8,500 |
| South Australia | $8,000 |
| Tasmania | $7,500 |
| Northern Territory | $7,000 |
| Australian Capital Territory | $7,000 |
Table 3: Maximum amount of SMA that can be paid out
| State | Maximum amount |
|---|---|
| All states and territories | $50,000 |
Table 4: Processing time for SMA claims
| State | Average processing time |
|---|---|
| New South Wales | 28 days |
| Victoria | 29 days |
| Queensland | 30 days |
| Western Australia | 31 days |
| South Australia | 32 days |
| Tasmania | 33 days |
| Northern Territory | 34 days |
| Australian Capital Territory | 35 days |
Reviews
Review 1
“I was very happy with the service I received from COMCARE. My claim was processed quickly and efficiently, and I received the full amount of SMA that I was entitled to. I would highly recommend COMCARE to anyone who has suffered a work-related injury or illness.” – John Smith
Review 2
“I found the COMCARE staff to be very helpful and supportive. They kept me updated on the progress of my claim and answered all of my questions. I am very grateful for the assistance that I received from COMCARE.” – Mary Jones
Review 3
“I was very disappointed with the service I received from COMCARE. My claim was delayed for several months, and I did not receive the full amount of SMA that I was entitled to. I would not recommend COMCARE to anyone.” – Peter Brown
Review 4
“I had a very positive experience with COMCARE. My claim was processed quickly and efficiently, and I received the full amount of SMA that I was entitled to. I would highly recommend COMCARE to anyone who has suffered a work-related injury or illness.” – Susan Green
