Lost income claims for employees

Lost income is usually the most straightforward claim for an employee, because payslips and EPF (Employees Provident Fund) records already exist. It covers the pay you missed between the accident and trial or settlement, one of the heads of damage a court assesses.^[1] Good employer records make it faster to prove than most other losses.

What evidence supports it best?

• Payslips covering the months before and after the accident.
• An employer’s letter confirming your role, salary and the period affected.
• EPF or SOCSO (Social Security Organisation) statements showing contribution history.
• Medical certificates or hospitalisation leave records covering the time off.

What if you used annual or medical leave?

Using paid leave to recover does not mean nothing was lost. The leave has a value, and some claims reflect the loss of leave entitlement rather than a pay cut. Raise it rather than assuming it does not count.

What if you returned on reduced hours or duties?

Coming back part-time, or on lighter duties at lower pay, is common after a serious injury. The gap between your normal earnings and what you received can generally still be claimed, if your employer’s records show the change clearly.

What can complicate an employee’s claim?

Informal arrangements, such as part of your pay in cash, or an employer reluctant to confirm details in writing, can slow things down. Both can usually be solved with the right records or a direct request. Unlike self-employed income loss, an employee’s claim rarely needs bank or tax records.

What should you do next?

Ask your employer early for a written confirmation of your salary and the period you could not work normally. Proving your lost income covers this evidence in more depth. Loss of earnings explains how it fits into how compensation is worked out.

If your employer is slow or the insurer questions your time off, an independent lawyer can request the records and present them. Send the accident date, whether anyone was injured (yes/no), your employer’s name, and the police report status.