The world as we knew it has come to a grinding halt for a lot of people over the last few weeks. Thankfully the Government has some excellent information about what help and assistance they can provide for you.
What hasn’t been so clear is what people who were already injured, and out of work for medical reasons prior to the COVID-19 situation can do. This is an article directed at this group, who might be feeling a little bit forgotten at the moment.
If you were injured at work, in a car accident or in some other manner and you aren’t able to work, here are three things you should know.
1. Chances are you have insurance to cover you for times like this
Whether you know it or not, most superannuation accounts have Total and Permanent Disability Insurance, and a large number have Income Protection insurance built in as standard features.
This means that if you were in a serious car crash, and you cannot work, you might be eligible for two different types of payments. One, a weekly benefit type payment, which will cover up to 85% of your notional weekly earnings – through your income protection. The second, a lump sum payment which you are entitled to (regardless of your degree of permanent impairment) if you are unable to return to the work you are trained, qualified, or experienced in.
2. The threshold to claim your insurance isn’t as high as you would think
As noted above, in most cases, the threshold which you must meet to be eligible for a Total and Permanent Disability lump sum payment isn’t that you must be totally and permanently disabled in the common sense of the words.
