How care and family support provisions help injured people return to daily activities in NSW
A threshold injury under the Motor Accident Injuries Act 2017 (NSW) includes a soft tissue injury and a psychological or psychiatric injury that is not a recognised psychiatric illness (adjustment disorder and acute stress disorder are the usual examples; s 1.6 and Motor Accident Guidelines Part 5).
If you've been injured in a motor accident in Ashfield, NSW, you may be eligible for care and family support benefits under the NSW Compulsory Third Party (CTP) scheme. These benefits are designed to help you manage daily tasks like personal hygiene, meal preparation, and mobility while you recover. This article explains what care and family support covers, how it helps injured people regain independence, and what evidence you may need to claim these benefits.
What types of care and family support are available under NSW CTP claims?
The NSW CTP scheme, administered by the State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA), provides care and family support benefits to cover assistance with daily living activities. This includes:
- Personal care: Help with tasks like bathing, dressing, and toileting.
- Household support: Assistance with cooking, cleaning, and managing household chores.
- Emotional support: Access to counseling or support groups to help cope with the psychological impact of injury.
- Transport assistance: Help with arranging transportation to medical appointments or therapy sessions.
These benefits are available to injured people who have suffered a threshold injury or higher, as defined by the Motor Accident Guidelines. They are intended to complement medical treatment and help you maintain your quality of life while recovering.
How does care and family support help injured people return to daily activities?
Care and family support benefits help injured people regain independence by providing practical assistance during recovery. For example, if you're unable to prepare meals after a serious road injury, a carer can help with cooking and meal planning. Similarly, assistance with personal hygiene can reduce the risk of complications like skin infections.
In cases where family members need to take time off work to care for an injured loved one, the CTP scheme also provides weekly income benefits to help cover lost wages. This ensures that both the injured person and their family can focus on recovery without financial strain.
What evidence is needed to claim care and family support benefits?
To claim care and family support benefits, you'll need to provide evidence that:
- You have a threshold injury or higher (as defined by the Motor Accident Guidelines).
- You require assistance with daily living activities due to your injury.
- You have a care plan in place, including details of the type of support needed.
- You have a medical professional's assessment confirming your care needs.
Key documents include:
- Medical records showing your injury and recovery progress.
- A care plan prepared by your treating doctor or physiotherapist.
- Evidence of your income or your family member's income if you're claiming weekly benefits.
- Proof of your care needs, such as a carer's logbook or a statement from your doctor.
How does SIRA's CTP scheme define 'care and family support' for daily activity recovery?
SIRA defines care and family support as assistance that helps injured people maintain their daily living activities. This includes both practical support (like household tasks) and emotional support (like counseling). The scheme also covers transport assistance to ensure injured people can attend medical appointments.
Importantly, care and family support benefits are available alongside other CTP benefits, such as weekly income payments and treatment and care benefits. This means injured people can receive comprehensive support to cover both medical expenses and daily living needs.
Practical steps to take after a motor accident in Ashfield
If you've been injured in a motor accident in Ashfield, take the following steps:
- Seek immediate medical attention to document your injuries.
- Report the accident to the police and obtain a copy of the incident report.
- Notify your treating doctor about your care needs.
- Keep records of all medical treatments, care plans, and expenses.
- Contact SIRA to start your CTP claim and request a care and family support assessment.
Time limits and when to seek advice
You have 52 weeks from the date of your accident to claim weekly income benefits if your injuries are limited to threshold injuries. However, care and family support benefits are available for longer if your injuries are more severe. Always check with SIRA to confirm your specific time limits.
If you're unsure whether your care needs qualify for benefits, or if your claim is being disputed, seek legal advice. A solicitor can help you understand your rights and ensure you receive the support you're entitled to.
Next steps
Care and family support under NSW CTP law can make a significant difference in helping injured people return to daily activities. However, the process can be complex, and the available benefits depend on your specific circumstances. Every claim depends on its own facts. To request contact about your circumstances, complete the quick, no obligation enquiry form.