Free Accident Insurance up to $83,000
“The SDA Accident Insurance Scheme is in place to assist our members when they have been injured outside of work. In this way, members have 24-hour cover: workers compensation while at work, and the SDA Insurance Scheme at other times. Our free accident insurance scheme is another example of how your Union cares for its members, both at home and at work. “
Michael Donovan - State Secretary
For many years, all financial members of the SDA have been covered by the Union’s free Accident Insurance Scheme. The SDA works hard to continually improve our cover to provide additional benefits. as well as increasing the amount payable for injuries - still at no cost to you.
Accidents can happen
The SDA’s Accident Insurance Scheme covers you in the event of:
- death,
- total incapacity to work in the job you were trained and/or educated to perform,
- the need for knee reconstruction or arthroscopic surgery,
- the breaking of bones,
- the loss of limbs, sight or hearing,
- the complete or partial tear of the achilles tendon,
- and other defined injuries as listed in the policy,
when they are caused by violent, external and visible means outside working hours and are not attributable to an illness.
What you save
The SDA Insurance Scheme is absolutely free for every financial member of the Union.*
If you had to insure yourself with a similar type of policy, it would cost you more than $450 each year.
The buying power of more than 200,000 SDA members nationally enables the Union to cover you for free.
When are you covered?
The SDA Accident Insurance Scheme is in place to assist our members injured in accident that occur outside of work.
SDA members aged under 80 are covered by the policy world-wide (subject to sanction exclusions), irrespective of where the accident occurs – and it is absolutely free to every financial member of the SDA.
How to claim
If you suffer an injury, please contact the SDA for advice on the procedure to follow.
Claims should be submitted within 30 days of the accident.
The benefits of the SDA Accident Insurance Scheme are not affected if you have other insurance cover.
If you suffer an injury, please contact the SDA for advice on the procedure to follow. Claims should be submitted within 30 days of the accident.
- Financial SDA members under 80 years of age are covered by the policy
Free Counselling Service
Converge International provides the SDA Member Support Program, a professional counselling service that offers confidential, short-term support for issues that may be affecting you at work or at home. The Program gives you access to qualified counselling and psychology professionals, who can help with work-related concerns, conflict, relationship or family issues, mental health concerns including stress and anxiety, alcohol and drug dependence, grief, or trauma.
SDA members are entitled to three free one-hour counselling sessions per year with Converge International, upon referral from the SDA. In the event of a crisis, family members can also receive counselling - this is included in the SDA member’s three-session entitlement.
Please contact the SDA on (03) 9698 1400 or freecall (from landline only) 1800 133 048 for a referral. For urgent support after hours, call Converge International directly on 1300 687 327.
Free Social Welfare Referral Service
We understand that our members from time to time come up against difficult times in their lives and need assistance from government and community organisations.
For this reason the SDA has compiled a Social Welfare Referral guide that our Officials can use to assist members in their time of need.
SDA's Information Officers can guide members through the wide range of services and benefits provided by Federal, State and Local Authorities, and show you how to apply for them.
The referral service covers such areas as:
- Centrelink
- Charitable organisations
- Domestic violence services
- Youth services
- Alcohol and drug service
- Victims of crime
- Public housing
If you need help finding the correct organisation to be put in touch with, ring one of the SDA's Information Officers who will be happy to refer you to the appropriate service.
Free Self Defence Courses
The SDA in partnership with Guardian Defence, offers members free self defence courses - a great way to improve fitness and learn some valuable skills at the same time.
For more information, members can contact Guardian Defence directly on 9383 4848 or at www.guardiandefence.com. You will need your member details when booking.
Advice and representation when you need it at work
