Posted on 10 Sep 2025

NSW Police TPD Changes Explained: What You Should Know

What do the changes actually mean?

As of 1 October 2024, the Police Blue Ribbon Insurance (PBRI) has been replaced by the Enhanced Police Support Scheme (EPSS), as announced by the Police Association of NSW.

The main difference is how the scheme is run. The old PBRI was managed through a super fund (Aware) and underwritten by a third-party insurer (TAL). The new EPSS, however, is self-managed, meaning the NSW Police Force will now oversee everything directly.

But there’s another crucial difference: the EPSS no longer includes TPD cover for officers injured after 1 October 2024. In other words, if you suffer a physical or psychological injury after that date and are forced to leave work for medical reasons, you won’t have access to TPD insurance through the EPSS. However, there are still compensation options available for injured NSW police officers.

What compensation can I get under the EPSS?

The EPSS is designed to give broader protection for police officers, covering both on-duty and off-duty injuries. Some of the key features include:

On-duty benefits: Increase from a maximum of 7 years at 75% of your salary to 10 years at the same rate for permanently incapacitated or catastrophically injured officers.
Off-duty benefits: Income protection payments extended from 2 years to 3 years.
Death benefits: No change; on and off-duty death benefits remain the same.

Do I get less compensation under the EPSS?

It really depends on your situation, including the severity of your injury, the value of your old TPD policy, and your salary.

Under the old scheme, Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) was paid as a lump sum. These payouts could be quite substantial and were designed to support officers who could never return to work. If your insured lump sum was large or you needed to be off work for more than 10 years, the TPD model may have left you better off.

The new EPSS works differently. Instead of a lump sum, you’ll receive income protection payments for a set period. This can actually be an advantage in some cases. For example, if your injury is severe but not permanent, you can now get longer-term support through the EPSS.

PBRI vs. EPSS changes: key differences summarised

Feature	Old PBRI	New EPSS (from 1 Oct 2024)
Type of benefit	Lump sum TPD payment + income protection benefits	Ongoing income protection payments
Who managed it	Third-party insurer (TAL) via Aware Super	Self-managed by NSW Police Force
Payment structure	One-off lump sum if deemed totally and permanently disabled	Up to 10 years of income protection at 75% of salary
Income protection cap	Capped at 7 years	Extended to 10 years if permanently incapacitated or catastrophically injured
Death benefits	Included	Included (unchanged)

How is permanent incapacity assessed under the EPSS?

Under the EPSS, income protection payments are normally capped at seven years. If you’re assessed as permanently incapacitated or catastrophically injured at the end of this period, you may be eligible for an additional three years of payments.

To qualify, you must pass an ‘exceptional payment test’, which involves convincing an independent panel that you are medically unable to return to any duty within the NSW Police Force. The panel includes a nominee from the NSW Police Force, Police Association of NSW and the Police Minister.

This assessment is stricter than standard income protection approvals, so having detailed medical evidence and expert support is essential. That’s where an expert lawyer can make all the difference. We have a detailed understanding of the new EPSS scheme and will ensure your claim meets all the requirements. This ensures you avoid delays and gives you the strongest chance of securing another three years of payments.

What if I was injured or diagnosed before 1 Oct 2024?

If your injury or mental health condition happened before 1 October 2024, your entitlements depend on whether you’ve stopped work.

Injured before 1 October 2024 and stopped work

If you’ve completely stopped working, you’ll likely still be able to lodge a TPD claim, even if you submit the claim after 1 October 2024.

Injured before 1 October 2024 but still working

If you’re still working (even on light duties or reduced hours), it’s less likely your TPD claim will succeed. TAL will review these cases individually, but most will be declined. That’s because if you were still working when the insurance ended on 1 October 2024, TAL will probably decide you didn’t meet the strict definition of ‘totally incapacitated’ at the end date.

That said, if you’re struggling with a long-term physical or psychological condition that’s affecting your ability to keep working, it’s worth seeking advice. Our specialist TPD lawyers can assess your situation, explain your entitlements, and help you take the right next steps so you don’t miss out.

Do I need a lawyer for my NSW police EPSS claim?

You can make your EPSS claim on your own, but we strongly recommend speaking with a lawyer who specialises in NSW police claims. A specialist can help you understand your entitlements and put together a strong, evidence-based claim to maximise your payments.

An experienced lawyer will also:

Take the time to listen to your story and explain your rights under the new EPSS.
Work with medical and occupational experts to build strong evidence supporting your claim.
Ensure your claim meets all new requirements under the EPSS.
Identify additional entitlements, such as workers compensation, to maximise your total payout.
Review past and current medical records to establish the full impact of your injury or condition.
Navigate disputes or denials with the NSW Police or insurers, helping you appeal or challenge decisions if needed.
Advise on the best strategy for long-term financial security, including other insurance and government support options.

Having a lawyer on your side can make a complex process much easier and greatly improve your chances of getting the compensation you deserve. The best part? This expert legal help is completely risk-free.

Every NSW police officer is covered by our No Win No Fee guarantee. That means there are no upfront costs, and you won’t pay a cent unless we win your claim. No conditions. No exceptions. Just honest, expert legal support for those who put their lives on the line for others.

Frequently asked questions

With these changes, NSW police officers may want to consider taking out TPD insurance separately through an insurer or financial institution.

While this can involve additional costs, TPD insurance is especially important for high-risk professions like law enforcement, where the physical and mental demands of the job increase the likelihood of long-term injury or illness.

When deciding if TPD insurance is right for you, consider the potential expenses of a career-ending disability, including ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation, home modifications, and loss of income. Make sure to also evaluate the type and level of coverage, affordability, and policy details such as definitions of disability, waiting periods, and exclusions. Consulting a financial advisor or insurance provider can help ensure you select coverage that provides meaningful protection and peace of mind.

No, the changes to TPD entitlements do not impact NSW police workers compensation benefits. You can learn more about the types of benefits you’re entitled to for work injuries in our complete guide to NSW police compensation payouts.