READ YOUR PROVIDENT FUND DISABILITY CONDITIONS!

Don't feel too confident with any of your Insurers as an individual in the workplace or for your personal benefits, read and understand your terms and conditions.

So here I am, as I was a member with a Provident Fund after being employed 2 years, being an employee at a transport company for 6 years, I have developed an ailment disease called Osteoarthritis in the Lumber spine since 2003, which worsened in 2016 and 2018. In July 2020, I was diagnosed with Facet Joint Osteoporosis and a degenerative disease in the spine, hips and neck areas, looking at a bleek future awaiting being wheelchair bound.

As a divorcee and only breadwinner lady, whereas I was working for the Company with interrupted services for 14,5 years, doing my utmost to show off my skills to the best of my ability and preventing losing my work, my ill health deterioted over the years, still proved that I could survive working for them without showing my physical illness and mental state of mind on a daily basis, "suffered in silence" for not to loose my work or being a weakling. In mid February 2020, at the age of 64 years, I had to make a life changing decision because of my physical and mental state of mind. Travelling, moving from one home to another to be closer to the company, the stress factor remained. The 1st of March 2020, I have resigned on an early retirement due to ill health, whereas the company agreed to as Mutual agreement just before Covid19 lockdown was implemented on the 23rd March 2020.

Momentum's retirement fund paid out promptly and I will forever be grateful to both companies concerned for their loyalty as the Insurers and Policy Holders.

As lockdown proceeded and the levels lowered down, offices only started to re-open for the public, I could only apply in September 2020 for my UIF, Sassa and medical visits. After receiving some of my benefits, I was advised by a Financial adviser to apply for my Disability section with Momentum and to see if I would have qualified. In October 2020, I have contacted Momentum Claims department, stated my medical case and the reasons for the late enquiry and request and the disability department re-opened my file, with appreciation.

To make this long story shorter, after 1 year of communication, documentation and explanations given, I was declined due to facts and their rules and conditions app**** saying that I was not disabled enough whilst working a 9 hour day shift, that I was never absent enough to show or proof my illness and was still operative in my work position. Working for the company's management was difficult to fall ill, they did not tolerate absenteeism (leave forms about my ailments witnessed my absenteeism from 2016 to 2020 being not capable to move or to drive at times?) I was not crippled enough and still healthy as per their terms and conditions performing my duties.

Momentum Disability Terms and Conditions: A solid declination. 1.11 Total and permanent disability means:

1.11.1 The member’s total, permanent and ongoing inability, in our opinion, to work in their occupation and any other occupation that they may be suited to or could possibly be qualified to work in based on their knowledge, training, education, ability and experience, as a result of injury or illness.

1.11.2 The permanent impairment of the member’s mental or physical condition to such an extent that the member is unable to their normal bodily functions; or

1.11.3 The member’s permanent loss in the use of two limbs or the sight in both eyes or the use of one limb and the sight in one eye.

Meaning, I had to be a cripple not using my hands and brain while performing daily duties. Never mind the sitting and walking and already disabled.

I have then turned to ask for advice and guidance from the Ombudsman in this matter and their services were excellent. After all communucations and correspondence submitted to the team, they acknowledged my permanent disability and Doctor's declaration although the Insurer's declined my application once again with the same reasons. I was not disabled enough at work and perform my duties to meet the criteria, nevertheless overlooking my health deteriorating during the time of service, I had to be in a wheelchair or to be crippled to be classified a disabled person while working. The benefit also declined in value and depleted when you reached the age of 65 years.

To make my point in this case, I want to express that the public and the workforce members of any Insurance/Disability/Death/Retirement Annuities and policies, to not only pay their monthly premiums, sit back and think they are fully covered should any claims be made, to read and understand their policies before wasting money, time or being disappointed when it comes to a claim request.

Just thought I would post my story.