My husband is a builder who works for himself. I am a hairdresser and I work for myself. We have a mortgage and 2 children in primary school. On Friday, he fell off a ladder and broke his ankle and is now unable to work for 4-5 months, due to his ankle being fixed to his leg via two metal rods. He does not have WorkCover or Income Protection Insurance, and has no ability to go back to work on "light duties" earlier than 4-5 months, or to do desk-based work, prior to his full recovery. We live in Queensland. Is there any other assistance available to us, to be able to get through this extreme financial stress? Any help or answers that could be provided, would be a relief.
Francesca in Brisbane
Top answer provided by:
John Cachia
Thank you for your question, I’m happy to provide some assistance. I am sorry to hear about your husband’s accident. I wish him a speedy recovery. You mentioned that your husband doesn’t have WorkCover or Income Protection Insurance, and won’t be able to work for 4-5 months.
I recommend your husband contact his superannuation company to investigate if he has an income protection policy via his superannuation fund/s. A large majority of superannuation funds include a component of income protection insurance. Over the years I have had a few clients who have successfully claim on superannuation funded income protection insurance they didn't know they had, helping them through these troubled time.
Your husband may also be entitled to Centrelink benefits to ease the financial stress. I would encourage you to contact Centrelink either via email, phone or visit a branch. Advise them of your husband’s change in circumstances and the impact it is having.
This would be an opportune time for you to review all your insurances. I strongly recommend all my clients have at least a basic level of insurance to minimise the risk of leaving themselves, their family, home, business and income vulnerable due to illnesses or injuries.
Feel free to send me an email if you would like any further assistance at info@afagroup.com.au.
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Comments3
"What about meeting a condition of release when the income protection is paid out, as it it will go into the super (most likely, most auto cover works that way)?"
HKW 15:39 on 07 Sep 18
"A great example of why insurance is not a 'necessary evil!' It's an investment in your family's protection!"
Amanda Cassar 14:28 on 07 Sep 18
"Sad situation - definitely check out your cover in you super, hopefully you'll get lucky. Anyone reading this if you have a dependant family, you need to get covered. Far too many Australians would find themselves in the same situation I'm afraid."
John P 14:05 on 07 Sep 18