[fefe76]

Hi
I broke my ankle 2 days ago (non work related) and will be having surgery later today as the bones need pins and plates in them.
Obviously I am going to unable to work and as I work in childcare I will probably not be able to go back to work for 1 month rather than the 2 weeks (had i a job where I could sit)

Am a bit stressed about the money as DHs income goes towards house repayments and other repayments and we live off my salary.

Any ideas on what I can do.

Can I claim anything from centerlink? i did read something about a sickness allowance ... at this point any money would be better than none.

Any advice would be appreciated.
Sorry wasn't sure where to put this thread so thought maybe here would be best

[annie13]

I would ask to see the hospital social worker. They can help with things like that.

[giggleandhoot]

Do you have any personal insurance?

[fefe76]

DH & I have life insurance

[Sofia*]

Do you have any sick leave or annual leave from work that you can take? Or is there any option for them to give you leave in advance?

If it was me I would check this with work first of all, also ask is there any option where they can give you a different job to do temporarily (I can't think of what that would be in childcare, but you could ask!) so you could go back sooner.

Good idea to talk to a hospital social worker, they should know what's available if you don't get covered by work.

Good luck with the surgery and recovery - I had pins and plates in a badly broken ankle about 10 years ago and found that it took a while to get back to normal but I can do anything now.

[qak]

Check if your superannuation has any income protection type policy. TBH they usually have longer waiting periods, but just check!

[giggleandhoot]

yeah check if you have income protection

[meggs1]

You would probably be entitled to Centrelink sickness benefit if you have used up your sick leave and meet the asset and income tests.

http://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/s...kness-allowance

[charlie23]

Can you have a look at your Super & see if there is any provision in there for you to claim?

Can you discuss with your Centre if you can do "paperwork" - meaning still be counted for ratios & get paid? If your centre is a good one hopefully they can accomodate you somehow?

I have worked / had kids in centres where certain staff who have had medical issues (bad backs/ arthritis, etc) were still working but spent the day "sitting" but still interacting with the kids.

Good luck.

[Regular Show]

DF had an non-work related injury a few months ago. We had no income protection. He was off of work for 3 months + . 1 month of this we had no money coming in.

The centrelink sickness benefit is extremely hard to get. If you only need 1 month off of work you will be back at work before you'd be approved for the allowance and before they had a chance to start paying it.

Its a long slow process.