How to prove your lost income
You know you lost income but are not sure what proof a claim actually needs.
Proving lost income means showing, with documents rather than description, what you were realistically earning before the accident and what you actually received afterwards. The exact documents differ depending on how you earn, but the underlying goal is always the same. Loss of earnings explains how this evidence feeds into the wider claim.
The documents that generally matter most
- Payslips, an employer’s letter, or EPF (Employees Provident Fund) statements, for an employee.
- Bank-in records showing regular deposits, for anyone paid irregularly or in cash.
- Tax filings, such as Borang B, showing declared income over recent years.
- Invoices or receipts issued to clients or customers, for freelance or contract work.
- In-app earnings statements, for gig or platform workers.
Why more than one document usually helps
A single document rarely tells the whole story on its own. Payslips show what an employer paid but not necessarily overtime patterns, while bank records show money received but not always its source. Combining two or three types of evidence usually builds a stronger, more consistent picture than relying on just one.
How far back your evidence should reach
Covering a reasonable period before the accident, rather than a single month, shows what you were normally earning instead of one unusual result. How far back is reasonable depends on how variable your income is; steadier income needs less history than seasonal or irregular income.
What to do if your records are incomplete
Missing documents are common, especially for informal or cash-based work. A bank statement, a client’s confirmation, or a reconstructed summary with an honest explanation of any gaps is usually better than no attempt at all.
Where to go next depending on how you earn
Loss of income for employees, loss of income for business owners and loss of income for gig workers each cover the specific evidence for that situation in more depth. Self-employed income loss covers the wider picture if none of those fit exactly.
Common questions
What is the single most useful document for proving lost income?
There is no single best document for everyone, since it depends on how you earn. An employee usually relies most on payslips, while someone self-employed usually relies most on bank records and invoices together.
Can I use screenshots instead of official documents?
Screenshots of banking apps, platform earnings, or messages confirming payment can support a claim, though an official statement or export is generally stronger where you are able to obtain one.
Does it matter if my income changed shortly before the accident?
It can, so it is worth explaining honestly rather than hiding it. A genuine pay rise or a new contract shortly before the accident is relevant, and supporting documents for that change help the claim reflect it accurately.
How long should I keep gathering this evidence for?
Keep collecting relevant records for as long as the income loss continues, not just for the weeks right after the accident, since an ongoing loss needs evidence covering the whole affected period.