Can I claim TPD insurance through my superannuation fund?

Quick answer

Yes, you can claim TPD insurance through your superannuation fund if it’s included with your policy. The good news is, most super policies automatically include TPD insurance — so you may be covered without realising it. If your policy doesn’t come with TPD insurance, you can purchase it directly from an insurer or bank instead.

To confirm if you have TPD insurance, check your individual policy or consult a specialist lawyer today.

In depth answer

Total and Permanent Disablement (TPD) insurance provides financial help if you’re injured or ill and unable to work.

Unlike weekly workers compensation payments, a successful TPD claim results in a lump sum payout. That means you have no ongoing insurer requirements to fulfil, and you can put your payout towards anything you or your family need.

However, it’s important to note that having TPD insurance does not automatically entitle you to a TPD payout. Your eligibility depends on the terms of your policy, particularly whether you have an ‘own occupation’ or ‘any occupation’ policy.

An ‘own occupation’ policy

‘Own occupation’ policies allow you to make a TPD claim if injury prevents you from doing:

  • Your pre-injury job, or
  • Any job within your education, training and experience.

Under an ‘own occupation’ policy, it may be possible to get a TPD benefit and also return to work in a completely new job. For example, if you’re a builder who injures their back, you may be eligible for a TPD payout even though you can work an office job.

An ‘any occupation’ policy

‘Any occupation’ policies only allow you to make a TPD claim if you’re unlikely to work again. Your injuries must be assessed by the insurer’s doctors, and you’ll need to provide detailed evidence of your ongoing inability to work. This may include (but is not limited to):

  • Permanent care requirements.
  • Inability to travel.
  • Mobility issues.
  • Distance from suitable work.

Can I have multiple TPD claims?

Yes, you can have multiple TPD claims if you hold TPD insurance with more than one super fund, insurer or bank.

To be successful, you’ll need to meet the specific definition of TPD under each individual policy. This means that even if you’re successful with one claim, you’re not guaranteed success in all.

If you have multiple TPD policies, we strongly suggest getting specialist advice before starting your claims. With multiple payments at stake, it’s essential to understand the requirements of each policy and how they affect each other.

Other insurances included with your policy

In addition to TPD, there are other insurances which may be automatically included in your super policy. This includes income protection and life insurance. As with TPD insurance, you can also buy these directly through a bank or insurer.

Income protection insurance provides financial support if you’re injured and temporarily unable to work. You will receive weekly payments covering up to 75% of your pre-injury income.

In contrast, life insurance offers financial assistance in the event of an unforeseen death. This means your children, spouse or other beneficiaries are the ones who receive the lump sum payment. The only exception is if you’re diagnosed with a terminal illness and have a terminal illness benefit included with your life insurance policy.

How we can help you

If you’re injured and off work, you need financial help — fast. In a free consultation, our dedicated TPD lawyers will investigate your policy, its definition of TPD, and outline the best strategy to get your claim resolved quickly.

As part of our comprehensive service, we also find your additional entitlements like negligence, disability and income protection. Often, these are worth substantially more than your TPD benefit alone.

Speak to us today for specialist advice on your TPD claim. Find out whether you have a claim and how to get the most compensation for your injuries.

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