Personal Accident Benefit Scheme
(a) Royal Mail
This is a non contractual discretionary employee
benefit provided by Royal Mail. The Scheme is designed to alleviate
financial distress where individuals suffer a permanent physical
disability as a result of an accident at work. Benefits from the
scheme are not dependant on blame, fault or liability. In order to
make a claim all accidents must be reported to the employer and
recorded in the appropriate accident book (ERICA). Claims must be
registered with the PABS Administrators within six months of the
date of the accident. This is done automatically by the Legal
Department where a member has submitted an LS3 claim form.
In order to establish the extent of any injuries the Scheme uses the medical assessments provided by the Department for Work and Pensions. It is therefore essential that claimants also register their accident with the DWP in line with the process described in claiming Industrial Injuries Benefit. On receipt of the appropriate disability assessment, this should be forwarded to the Legal Department. Claims are settled on the basis of permanent injury. Therefore a life assessment is required, in order to obtain payment. Payments are calculated using the percentage disability against the maximum payment of £40,000.00. For example, a member who is in receipt of a 10% life assessment will receive 10% of £40,000.00, i.e. £4,000.00. Additionally, payments can be made where a member is in receipt of a provisional assessment which extends in excess of a two year period. In such circumstances, a reduced interim payment may be made. Further details concerning the Scheme were published in LTB 198/06 dated 22nd March 2006.
(b) Personal Accident Insurance Scheme (BT)
BT
members are covered on a 24 hour basis for injuries sustained
whilst on and off duty. The scheme is presently operated by Zurich
Insurance and claims need to be lodged with them within 2 years of
the date of the accident. The Claimant has to obtain their own
medical evidence usually in the form of a consultant's report
which is submitted to the insurance company. The insurance
company's medical advisors make an assessment and payment is
awarded depending on the extent of the permanent injuries.
Payments are based on the maximum threshold of 4 x basic salary set at a minimum of £10,000 per annum.
