What do you know about journey cover?
What is journey cover and why do we need it?
Because of changes made to legislation under the former Howard Government, if you experience an accident on your way to or from work, you are no longer covered by workers compensation – that means no income support if you’re off work and run out of sick leave.
But with the journey cover benefit provided by most CEPU/CWU branches, financial members can rest easier knowing that they will have a degree of income support if they suffer journey related injuries or injuries experienced during an authorised meal break.
Under this scheme, up to 85 percent of your normal weekly wage can be paid to you, to help you get by until you return to work.
Who’s covered?
If you’re a financial member of any the following CEPU/CWU branches, you’re covered:
- NSW Postal & Telecommunications Branch
- Queensland Communications Divisional Branch
- Victoria Postal & Telecommunications Branch
- SA/NT Communications Divisional Branch
- WA Communications Divisional Branch
Is there any cost? Do I have to pay more for this?
Journey cover is provided at no extra cost to you – if you’re a financial member, you’re covered by your membership contributions.
How does it work?
This scheme will be especially valuable to those members who have run out of sick leave and annual leave – and experience an injury that will keep them from work (and an income) for more than two weeks.
How do I notify a claim?
A claim form can be obtained by contacting your State Branch Office.
How long will it take for a claim to be approved?
The insurers have set a five day service standard for claim consideration and response, once all required information has been received.
Do I have a waiting period?
For a weekly benefit claim, benefits commence after the Waiting Period of 14 days.
What is the Weekly Benefit?
85% of your average gross weekly earnings to a maximum of $1,500.
Will the payments recognize the amount of money I usually make from overtime?
The benefit is for 85% of your average gross weekly earnings (to a maximum of $1,500), taking into account overtime normally worked or bonuses earned.
What is the benefit period?
Weekly Benefits are payable up to a maximum of 104 weeks. The benefit term is reduced to 52 weeks if a claim for Weekly Benefits occurs after age 66, up to the age of 75.
What constitutes a work journey?
The following journeys are included under the definition of a work journey:
- During morning and afternoon tea breaks and lunchtimes outside the place of work;
- To and from home or place of work and lecture, seminar, professional development study activity or examination for which leave with pay has been granted;
- Travel for the purposes of attending union meetings; and
- Officially sanctioned work related activities, provided always that there is no substantial deviation from the most reasonable direct route to or from.
How will I be paid?
The preferred method is via electronic deposit into your bank account – in line with your employer’s normal pay period (ie: fortnightly). However, contact Windsor Management Insurance Brokers Pty Ltd to discuss possible alternative arrangements.
Will this cover medical costs for treatment of my journey injury?
No. The scheme is mainly aimed at providing a level of income support that did not previously exist due to the changes in legislation.
Where can I get more information?
Should you require more information or have any further questions, please feel free to contact Windsor Management Insurance Brokers Pty Ltd on (07) 3230 9306 or your State Branch office for a copy of the Product Disclosure Statement.
