20GTemporary pension for illness or injury

20G Temporary pension for illness or injury

(1) If the Board determines that a contributor who has applied for a disability benefit under section 20F(1) is likely to substantially recover from injury, disease or infirmity, the Board may determine that the contributor be paid a pension calculated in accordance with section 20F while absent from duties for a limited period of up to 12 months.

(2) A contributor granted a pension under subsection (1) is to be treated as being on leave of absence without pay on account of illness or injury certified by a registered medical practitioner but in other respects section 20F applies.

(3) At the expiration of the limited period for payment of a pension, the Board must decide if the contributor does not return to duties—

(a) to continue the pension while the contributor remains absent from duties for one further limited period of up to 12 months; or

(b) if the service of the contributor is terminated, to pay the contributor either—

(i) a pension under section 20F; or

(ii) the contributor's accrued benefit.

(4) If, under subsection (3), the Board decides to continue a pension for a second limited period and determines that any pension payable is conditional upon the contributor undertaking a nominated course of training or education referred to in subsection (5), the Board must, at the expiration of that period, if the contributor does not return to duties, decide to continue the pension until the contributor has completed the nominated course or 3 years of the nominated course, whichever first occurs.

(5) The Board may determine that any pension payable under subsection (1), (3)(a) or (4) is to be conditional upon the contributor undertaking at the expense of the Board a nominated course of training or education.

S. 20G(6) amended by No. 32/2005 s. 5.

(6) Upon acceptance of a payment under subsection (3)(b)(ii), the Board is released from any liability to make any further payment to, or in respect of, any entitlements of the former contributor and this Act ceases to apply.

S. 20H inserted by No. 82/1996 s. 10.