According to a recent survey, 52% of people on disability leave want to return to work when they’ve recovered.
In theory, it should be a simple process. The reality, though, is often the opposite.
In 2018, less than 30,000 people with disabilities entered the workforce. Just two years earlier, there were over 343,000 new jobs for people with disabilities. Factor in the pandemic, job loss, and other economic upheavals, and returning to work might seem far out of reach.
But this doesn’t need to be the case. In Australia the government runs the NDIS, The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can help you to return to work after a disability. A NDIS Rockhampton service provider says the NDIS provides support for people with a disability to help them live an independent life and participate in the community. Apart of this the NDIS can also provide support for people who want to return to work after a disability. The NDIS can help you to access the services and support you need to return to work.
Here are five tips to help you transition back into the world of professional work.
1. Talk to Your Doctors & Lawyer
Before you consider returning to work, you’ll need your doctor’s approval. Your doctor will consider your physical condition and your typical job duties and determine if you’re well enough to start working again.
In the meantime, keep your employer in the loop about your recovery. When the time comes, your doctor will provide the paperwork you need to submit to your employer.
If you haven’t already, you should also speak with social security disability attorneys. They’ll help you understand your rights as well as your company’s specific disability policies.
2. Consider Your Readiness
Physical readiness isn’t the only factor to consider when returning to work. You also need to consider your mental and emotional state and whether you’re ready to resume a normal work routine.
It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed after a traumatic injury. You may need to ease back into the working world gradually, perhaps working part-time from home if possible.
3. Understand Your Company’s Policies
Look for the occupation clause in your company’s long-term disability policies. It will either be:
- Any Occupation Clause (AAC): You can still receive disability benefits if you’re unable to fulfill all job responsibilities
- Own Occupation Clause (OAC): You can receive employer benefits if you’re unable to fulfill all job responsibilities
There may also be limits to how much you can earn or the number of hours you can work, so review the details carefully.
4. Keep Your Disability Benefits Going
The government’s Ticket to Work Program lets you keep your SSDI benefits active for up to 45 after your return to work. Medicare coverage can extend for up to seven years after your trial work period ends.
As mentioned earlier, you may want to speak with a disability lawyer to understand which benefits you’re entitled to (and for how long).
5. Work With HR to Find Solutions
Depending on the nature of your injury, returning to your former position may not be possible. If your job required heavy lifting, for example, you may never physically be able to resume that role.
Speak with your company’s HR department about possible solutions. Can you return to a role that doesn’t involve physical exertion? Is it possible to make other accommodations if you can resume most (but not all) of your former duties?
Returning to Work: Make the Transition Easier
Whether you faced a worker’s compensation claim or you were injured elsewhere, at some point you’re going to have to consider returning to work.
Use the tips outlined above to ensure you’re physically, mentally, and legally ready to return to professional work. With your doctor’s approval and a disability insurance policy in place, you’ll soon be rejoining the working world.
Was this article helpful for you? Our site has more great tips and advice, so stick around and keep browsing.
