The TAC offers different types of compensation and support depending on the nature and severity of your injuries.
This may include:
1. Medical and allied health services
In the first 90 days after your accident, the TAC can cover certain treatments and services without needing prior approval, as long as they are recommended by your doctor or health professional and relate to your accident injuries.
These services may include:
- General practitioner and public hospital services
- Ambulance services
- Pharmacy items
- Psychological services
- Dental treatment
- Chiropractic and osteopathy services
- Physiotherapy and exercise physiology
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Optometry
- Podiatry
- Nursing services.
After the initial 90 days, or for treatments and services not listed above, you or your providers will need to obtain TAC approval.
2. Income support
If you’re unable to work due to your injuries, you may be eligible for income replacement payments for up to 18 months. This benefit is designed to help you while you recover and work towards returning to employment.
3. Loss of Earning Capacity (LOEC)
The TAC can pay a LOEC benefit after 18 months if your injury prevents you from working. This benefit continues if your impairment remains over 50%. LOEC is calculated based on the difference between your pre-accident and post-accident earning capacity. Factors like injury severity, rehabilitation potential, skills, ages, and available jobs are considered in determining LOEC.
4. Impairment benefits
You may receive a one-off lump sum payment if your transport accident caused a permanent physical or psychological condition. This payment is for impairments assessed at 11% or more and is in addition to other benefits. Children under 18 may also qualify for a lump sum payment or a weekly benefit called “Minors Additional Benefit”.
5. Safety Net Income Benefits (SNIB)
This SNIB is available for clients with severe injuries—with an impairment score of 50% or more—who return to work but then are unable to continue working. It is for those who would qualify for LOEC payments, but can no longer sustain their employment as they have been either terminated from their job or unable to sustain self-employment. Eligibility for SNIB is reassessed every five years.
6. Dependency benefits
If you’re the dependent spouse or child of someone who has died as a result of a transport accident, you can claim financial support. Support may include funeral expenses up to $18,860, travel and accommodation costs for attending services, and family counselling up to $20,020.
For those who lost a contributing spouse or partner, TAC offers lump sum payments of up to $224,370 and ongoing benefits. Childcare and household support are also available, and dependent children may receive lump sum payments, fortnightly payments, and educational allowances.
7. Home and vehicle modifications
If your injuries impact your ability to drive or use your vehicle, TAC can assist with modifications to help you get in and out of your vehicle, drive, and transport mobility aids. Additionally, TAC can sometimes contribute towards the cost of purchasing a vehicle in Australia to support your needs. They do this to help support greater independence and mobility.
8. Common law damages
In cases of serious accident injury, you may be eligible to pursue additional compensation through a common law claim. However, to qualify for common law compensation, another party must be at fault (or partially at fault) for the accident, and your injuries must meet the legal criteria for a ‘serious injury.’
A qualified personal injury lawyer can help you determine if you’re eligible for a common law claim.
