nonoize

Something to ponder.

I Found this on the disability forum but I thought some of you might find the problem worth comment.

********* Extract begins *************

An understanding friend is better than a therapist;
and cheaper, too!

My Dad, when he was alive often said “If my foresight was as good
as my hindsight I would be better of by a darn sight”. I could never agree with anything more at this point in my life.

Twelve years ago I was in a senior position at work and enjoying my
life to the fullest. On my way to a meeting I had a fall on a gutter, nothing overly serious, so I thought. I had damaged my neck, shoulder and spine and after many operations and procedures I was unable to return to work due to chronic pain and loss of some movement.

This now brings me to my problem, never thought about it at the time, thus the comment of my father’s saying. When you are on workcover you do not have superannuation contributions paid into your fund, it stops dead never to go again until you get a pittance when you retire officially and go on the pension.

It is too late for me but I think this is something that should be taken up, even if it means getting less workcover, not the ideal resolve but better than nothing. Had I known I would have contributed to it myself but at the time I was trying to help my 3 children with MS as well as take care of myself a single Mother.

Looking at where I am now I so wish I had put $50 or $100 a week into my super, had someone advised me (sounds like I am passing responsibility) I am sure I would have done this, then I would have been in a far better situation now.

Can you suggest how I or you can go about lobbying Government to
do something about this so that in the future others will not have the problems I now face.
Colleen C





************** Extract Ends ************

urban_s0ulja

lol his back

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Woodstock

did he leave ?

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nonoize

Apart from your rubbish spelling - (check my spelling of workcover)/grammar "Did you miss me" ?

FREE Coles Vouchers. . . NSW ONLY :-(

Luv to all here - especially Z and Andrew

SystemRat

Good point I did not know that, as would most people I expect unless they were in the position. Seems a bit of a trap if you unlucky enough to end up on work cover for a long time.

I have heard horror stories from both workers and employers re actually being on work cover. One broke his leg and required tendon repair surgery. He put in a his claim and they paid him a pittance of what he normally earned and delayed paying him such that he had trouble with house payments and food etc. His employer meanwhile was drumming work care on the phone as top why he was not being paid and in fact loaned the guy money to help him get by. The worker then wanted to return to work doing some light work but was told he could not until medically cleared and the employer would be in trouble if he did.

In the end, he got better and returned to work but it was an eye opener for both the boss and worker as to how badly he was treated. Hopefully things have improved.

pat911

The problem is that workcover insurance policies that employers are forced to take out do not cover superannuation payments for the employee.

It is these compulsory workcover insurance policies that are controlled by the state governments that need to change.

Cheers
Pat.

pat911

Hi Systemrat,


Something isn't quite right with that statement. If you are on workcare your EMPLOYER pays you your weekly wage, usually at a reduced rate. The employer is then reimbursed via their workcare insurance company as it is the employer that is insured, not the employee.

What may have happened is that the insurance company was holding off on accepting the claim and as such had not approved the employer to pay the employee.

Cheers
Pat

Redwight

So the logical question is, is there any company that does allow for a better deal?

SystemRat

I could have got it wrong perhaps it was the medical costs. The employer in this case is a friend next time I see them I will ask. They where trying to do the right thing by the guy who still works from them.

pat911

NO. All workcover policies are the same. They all cost the same (set by the government) and they all cover the same things.

elmo

I don't know about different states but Queensland legislation requires that the employer continues to contribute super for employees on workcover at an albeit reduced rate of 3%.

intelliGEORGE

Unless you are in the Public Sector.

The NSW State Government had agreed in 2002 that weekly Workers' Compensation payments, including make-up payments, would be included in the definition of salary or wages for the purposes of superannuation for all public sector workers.

Helen

I am on wc at the moment and here is how it works
For the hours i am at work i am paid from my employer...for the hours i am not at work the insurance company pays me.
I receive both incomes from each source ...work form my work...rest form insurance....in 2 seperate deposits into my account....the payslip i get each pay only reflects the income my company pays me...not from the insurance company and my super is reduced accordingly.

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intelliGEORGE

According to the ATO;

Super guarantee for Workers compensation payments, including top-up payments where no work is performed. No.

Workers compensation payments, including top-up payments, paid by the employer, where work is performed. Yes.