Daniel, a dedicated GP in his forties, was balancing a busy practice in the ACT while raising his 14-year-old twins alone after the tragic death of their mother. Between work demands and single parenthood, Daniel began feeling overwhelmed. Sleepless nights, difficulty concentrating, and uncharacteristic emotional outbursts followed, leading him to believe his grief had become depression. Realising he needed time to heal, he took extended sick leave to focus on his health and his family.
Financially, Daniel had always been prepared. He and his late wife had worked hard to own their home outright, and he had maintained income protection and life insurance since their twins were born. But when his sick leave ran out and he was still unable to work, Daniel filed a claim for income protection—only to face a shocking denial. His savings dwindled as medical expenses mounted, with each day out of work deepening his financial burden.
On top of his mental health struggles, Daniel’s physical health deteriorated. Having been adopted, he had no family medical history, making it harder to determine an accurate diagnosis. After months of extensive, costly testing, he finally received a diagnosis: Huntington’s disease. The news was devastating. Already grieving their mother’s loss, he couldn’t bear to tell his boys about his illness, fearing how it would impact them. Referred to MBA NSW-ACT by his medical team, Daniel sought help as he faced mounting stress and financial strain. Although he was confident his insurance claim would eventually be approved, he had been without income for over eight months and was nearly out of funds to cover basic living expenses. His greatest concern was for his children, feeling deeply that they shouldn’t “go without” because of bureaucratic delays beyond his control.
The MBA NSW-ACT Social Worker, understanding the nuances of his case, provided critical support. She offered to challenge his denied income protection claim, given the circumstances. Working alongside Daniel’s clinical team, she helped draft an advocacy letter to the insurer, urging them to expedite the claim due to the hardship caused by their inaction. She also clarified that superannuation access, typically restricted to cases with a life-expectancy of less than 24 months, was not available due to his longer-term prognosis. Encouraged by the Social Worker, Daniel submitted a hardship request to MBA NSW-ACT, reassured that his case would be met with empathy. At their next meeting, the MBA Council unanimously approved his request, arranging monthly payments to cover his family’s essential expenses until his insurance claim was resolved. This immediate financial relief allowed Daniel to focus on his health and spend quality time with his children, easing his worry over unpaid bills.
Grateful for the unwavering support, Daniel expressed interest in creating a lasting legacy for his sons. The Social Worker provided him with resources and guidance to help him plan and commence this project. Shortly thereafter, the advocacy letter proved successful, and Daniel’s income protection claim was finally approved, restoring 75% of his previous salary.
In a message to MBA NSW-ACT, Daniel expressed his gratitude: “I felt truly comforted and supported during a time when I was overwhelmed. The help I received allowed me to focus on my family and create cherished memories with my kids, instead of constantly worrying about finances. It was exactly what we needed. Please pass my heartfelt thanks on to the Council.”
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