Superannuation & TPD Claims
Most Australians have TPD, income protection, and life insurance through their superannuation fund without realising it. If you are permanently unable to work, your fund has denied a claim, or a family member has died with superannuation — you may have significant entitlements under the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act and your fund's trust deed. Submit your request and get a free assessment from a superannuation lawyer.
⚠ TPD and superannuation insurance claims have limitation periods and can be affected by delays. If your claim has been denied or you have not yet lodged — submit your request now.
What You Can Submit
From lodging a first TPD claim and disputing a denial to death benefit claims and early release applications — submit your matter and a superannuation lawyer will follow up.
Claiming a lump sum TPD benefit through your superannuation fund where a medical condition or injury has left you permanently unable to work in your usual occupation or any occupation.
Challenging a superannuation fund's decision to deny or reduce a TPD claim — through internal dispute resolution, AFCA, or court proceedings.
Claiming superannuation death benefits and associated life insurance on behalf of a deceased member's estate or dependants — including disputed nominations and trustee decisions.
Claiming monthly income protection benefits through a superannuation or standalone policy following illness or injury that prevents you from working.
Lodging a complaint with the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) regarding superannuation fund decisions, delayed payments, and disputed benefits.
Applying for early access to superannuation on grounds of permanent incapacity, terminal illness, severe financial hardship, or compassionate grounds.
Accessing superannuation benefits and insurance payouts following a terminal illness diagnosis — including TPD, life insurance, and tax-free superannuation withdrawals.
Disputes about who receives a superannuation death benefit — including challenges to binding nominations and trustee discretion decisions.
Complaints about fund administration, incorrect fees, lost contributions, inadequate insurance, and trustee conduct that has affected your superannuation balance.
When to Act
Most Australians have TPD and life insurance through their superannuation fund without realising it. Understanding what you are entitled to — and acting before time limits expire — can make a significant financial difference.
TPD insurance held within superannuation pays a lump sum where you are unlikely ever to work again due to injury or illness. TPD definitions vary — "any occupation" definitions require inability to work in any job for which you are reasonably suited by education, training, or experience; "own occupation" definitions are more favourable and focus on your specific role. A lawyer can assess whether your condition meets the applicable definition in your fund's trust deed.
A TPD denial is not final. Most successful claims are initially rejected — often because the fund's own medical assessors apply restrictive definitions or discount treating doctor evidence. The internal dispute resolution process, AFCA complaint, and court proceedings under the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act are all available pathways. AFCA complaints must typically be lodged within 6 years of the decision or 2 years of becoming aware of it.
Superannuation does not automatically form part of a deceased person's estate — the trustee exercises discretion to pay benefits to eligible dependants or the estate, unless a valid binding death benefit nomination exists. Disputes between family members, challenges to nominations, and trustee decisions that appear to favour certain parties over others can be challenged through AFCA or the courts under the SIS Act.
Workers who change jobs frequently often accumulate multiple superannuation accounts — many of which still hold TPD and life insurance that was active at the time of a qualifying injury. Lost super can be located through myGov/ATO. However, insurance cover in inactive accounts is time-limited after contributions stop — typically cancelling after 16 months of inactivity under the Protecting Your Super reforms. Acting before cover lapses is critical.
Income protection policies pay a monthly benefit — typically 75% of pre-disability income — for a set benefit period (commonly 2 years or to age 65). When payments stop or are disputed, a concurrent TPD claim may provide a lump sum that replaces the ongoing income protection income stream. Legal advice while income protection is still active helps identify and prepare the TPD claim before time limits in the fund's trust deed expire.
A terminal illness diagnosis — certified by two medical practitioners as likely to result in death within 24 months — entitles you to access your entire superannuation balance tax-free under the SIS Act, regardless of your age. Accessing TPD benefits concurrently may also be possible. The application process involves specific medical certification requirements, and specialist legal advice ensures all available entitlements are claimed together.
How It Works
Describe your condition and situation in plain language — you do not need to know your policy details upfront. A superannuation lawyer will assess your potential entitlements and explain the process.
Submit Your RequestSubmit the form with your contact details, state, the nature of your injury or illness, and a brief summary. Mention whether a claim has already been lodged or denied.
Your matter is reviewed to identify potential entitlements, the relevant super fund policy, and the best approach — whether lodging a new claim, appealing a denial, or pursuing AFCA.
A superannuation lawyer contacts you to discuss your potential claim. Most TPD lawyers offer no-win, no-fee arrangements for viable claims.
Information That Helps
The clearer your summary, the easier it is to assess your potential entitlements and identify the right superannuation lawyer.
Your superannuation fund name — or names if you have multiple accounts.
The nature of your injury, illness, or condition and when it first affected your ability to work.
Whether you are currently working, on sick leave, receiving WorkCover, or have stopped working entirely.
Whether a TPD or insurance claim has already been lodged with the fund, and any response received.
For death benefit claims — the deceased's fund name, date of death, and relationship to the claimant.
Any medical reports, specialist opinions, or treatment records already available.
If any of the following apply, include it clearly so your request can be flagged as urgent.
Submitting this form does not create a lawyer-client relationship and does not replace formal legal or financial advice.
Coverage
Superannuation and TPD claim requests accepted from all states and territories.
Super & TPD Claim Areas
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Read more →Submit your request and a legal representative will be in touch to discuss your matter.
Submit Your Legal Request