Friends, Family & Carers Forum

[Used2Be]

I have been absent from the forum for a while as a wobbly week turned into a series of wobbly weeks. It has ultimately led to my dh being hospitalised. At a minimum it will be a week or two, but it is more likely that he will undergo ECT over a six week period before being transferred to a specialist PTSD program that will be for about three months as a resident. Up until our tr to the ED on Sunday night, he was in full time employment. What rights does he have in regards to his salary during this time? Obviously, his available sick leave will cover some time, and he does have some annual leave available. Can his employer terminate his employment? What would happen if he ran out of leave? Would he be able to get any salary or would we have to look at going on benefits? This is all new to me, and I don't know where to start.

[PeppiPatty]

Good to hear from you. Sorry, I am not up on information.

[Alessandra1992]

This must be really stressful for your family.
I am wondering if he can apply for leave without pay?
Is he a member of a union because that's who I would be calling. Depending on his work situation, do they know about his mh? He may need a return to work plan, which are usually signed off by G.P, Psychiatrist
etc.
However, it depends on the State or Territory where you live. Is any of his current experience related to his work? Maybe he is eligible for medical sick leave, stress leave, and then perhaps Work cover kicks in?
Very difficult to know, hoping he has a compassionate and generous workplace and that his treatment plan works well..

[NikNik]

Hi @Used2Be 

Sorry to hear that your dh isn't travelling so well.

Additional to @Alessandra1992 's great advice, it would be worth having a look at the Fair Work Ombudsman website http://www.fairwork.gov.au/leave/sick-and-carers-leave/long-periods-of-sick-leave

Hope this helps too.

Thinking of you & hoping that your dh is getting well.