AustraliaI've been receiving Comcare payments but my capacity to work has changed. Will my payments be adjusted?
Yes, your Comcare payments can be adjusted if your capacity to work changes — Comcare must review and may increase, reduce or stop your weekly payments based on current medical evidence and legislative criteria.
What the Law Says
The Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 (SRCA) governs Comcare payments for Commonwealth employees and sets out when and how payments must be reviewed and adjusted following a change in work capacity.
If your capacity to work changes — whether it improves or declines — Comcare is required to reassess your entitlement to weekly payments. This review ensures payments reflect your current ability to earn, work, or participate in rehabilitation.
Under section 45 of the SRCA, Comcare may review a decision about weekly payments at any time if there is a change in circumstances — including medical condition, employment status, or capacity for work. Section 53 sets out how weekly payments are calculated and adjusted based on current earnings capacity and the degree of incapacity.
Comcare must give you written notice before reducing or stopping payments — typically at least 14 days — and must provide reasons and information about your review rights. If your capacity worsens, you may become eligible for higher payments or additional support.
Statutory TextThe amount of a weekly payment is to be determined by reference to the person’s incapacity for work and the person’s earnings capacity.
— Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988, s. 53 — Weekly payments
Statutory TextComcare may, at any time, review a decision made under this Act if there has been a change in circumstances affecting the decision.
— Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988, s. 45 — Review of decisions
What to Do
Contact Comcare immediately to report any change in your medical condition or work capacity.
Provide updated medical evidence (e.g., a current certificate or report from your treating doctor).
Respond promptly to any request for information or attendance at a medical assessment.
If your payment is reduced or stopped and you disagree, request an internal review within 60 days.
Keep records of all communications, medical reports, and work capacity assessments.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.