The SDA expresses its sadness and condolences at the tragic loss of life and property in the bushfires that have swept Victoria.
Nationally the SDA is donating $20,000 to the ACTU for the Red Cross Appeal. Various branches of the SDA are also offering assistance.
Loss of Home
The Victorian Branch wishes to particularly assist SDA members who may have suffered the loss of their home (including young members whose parents or guardians may have lost the home they live in).
A proposal will be put to the SDA State Council for direct financial assistance to SDA members who have lost their home.
Members are asked to advise SDA Organisers or an SDA Information Officer on 9698 1400 or Freecall 1800 133 048 of any SDA member who has lost their home in the bushfires.
SDA Accident Insurance
All SDA financial members are automatically covered by the SDA accident insurance.
In the tragic circumstance of the death of an SDA member in the bushfires the family may have a claim under our policy.
In the tragic circumstance of the permanent disability of an SDA member, the member may have a claim under our policy.
In the case of broken bones there may also be a claim for a small amount under our policy.
Inquiries on the SDA accident insurance should be directed to John McCracken in the SDA Office on 9698 1400 or Freecall (from landline only) 1800 133 048
REST Insurance/Income Protection
Additional to the SDA Accident Insurance, SDA members may also have death and disability insurance and/or income protection insurance as a member of the Retail Employees Superannuation Trust (REST).
In the tragic circumstances of a member who has died the family may have a claim under the REST death and disability insurance.
In the tragic circumstance of a member who is permanently disabled the member may have a claim under the REST death and disability insurance.
A member who is injured and is off work for more than 60 days may also have a claim under the REST income protection insurance.
Inquiries should be directed to REST on 1300 300 778.
A member who has an entitlement under the relevant policies may be eligible to receive the benefits provided by the SDA Accident Insurance as well as the benefits provided by REST insurance.
Home and Contents and General Insurance
If you have insurance on your home, cars, sheds etc you will probably have a claim for fire damage, clean up and relocation expenses etc.
However, you could have problems with underinsurance, what items are covered and the claims process. With underinsurance, the insurance company might only offer to pay a percentage of your loss.
It would be important to check the fine print in your policy and don’t agree to any insurance settlement offers or repairs before getting advice.
Free Legal Advice
The Union solicitors, Maurice Blackburn, advise that some SDA members may have problems with under insurance and others may have rights to death and disability benefits.
Maurice Blackburn has advised the SDA that they will provide free legal advice to SDA members and their families to help in any way they can.
Members can phone Maurice Blackburn on 1800 810 812 to seek free advice.
Free Counselling
The SDA provides up to three free counselling sessions for SDA members with Converge.
Inquiries should be made via our SDA Information Officers on 9698 1400 or Freecall (from landline only) on 1800 133 048.
Volunteer Fire Fighters - Emergency Services Leave
If any SDA members are experiencing difficulties with their employer regarding obtaining leave, please let the SDA know so that we can assist with this matter.
Thanks
Thank you for advising affected members as widely as you possibly can of the ways in which the SDA can offer assistance.