How you can get your assistance dog funded under workers compensation

How you can get your assistance dog funded under workers compensation

Do you have a furry friend that helps manage stress, anxiety or other psychological injuries, read on to find out how you can get your assistance dog funded under the NSW workers compensation system.

Our furry friends can change our life in more ways than just being a beloved part of our families. Sometimes our pets can act as an assistance or companion animal and can help mange stress, anxiety, or other psychological injuries.

If you have sustained a workplace injury – physical or psychological – you might be wondering if you can claim compensation for your support dog. Let’s break it down.

What is a Support Dog?

Support dogs are specially trained to help individuals with disabilities or mental health conditions. They can provide emotional support, alert their owners to anxiety attacks, or even perform tasks that assist with daily living. For many, they are more than just our pets; they are crucial for managing everyday challenges.

Can you Claim for a Support Dog?

Under NSW workers compensation laws, you can claim the cost of purchasing, training and maintaining (including the cost of neutering, vaccination, veterinary fees and food over the course of the animals’ working life) of an assistance/companion animal from your workers compensation insurer if the dog is deemed necessary for your recovery and wellbeing.

There are some costs that are not considered ‘reasonably necessary’ that the Insurer is required to cover and these include but are not limited to dog toys, pet insurance, and ongoing grooming.

What Steps do I take for Claiming Compensation for a Support Dog

Claiming compensation for a support dog can be tricky. Insurers might be hesitant to cover costs related to animals, as they often focus on medical and rehabilitation expenses. However, they are not impossible.

A companion animal can fall under the category of ‘therapeutic treatment’ and can be claimed as medical treatment under the workers compensation system. As with all claims for medical treatment, you will need to prove that your companion animal is “reasonably necessary” medical treatment for your work-related injury.

We have helped many of our police clients with PTSD make claims for the cost of a companion animal. With the right supporting documentation, we were able to help a client overturn a Section 78 Notice disputing liability for a request for a support dog.

What should you do?

Navigating workers compensation in NSW can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to less conventional claims like support dogs. However, if you believe your furry friend is essential to your healing process, it’s worth pursuing that compensation. Remember, taking care of your mental health is just as important as recovering from physical injuries. With the right documentation and support, you can advocate for the help you deserve – both human and canine!

If you have any queries regarding bringing a claim for a companion animal or workers compensation in general, then give us a call on 1300 026 875 or contact us via our website – www.bourkelegal.com.