So... what even is a TPD claim?
Alright, let’s cut through the noise. TPD stands for Total and Permanent Disability. Sounds intense—and it is. But here’s the thing: if you’ve had an illness or injury that’s knocked you out of work permanently, there’s a good chance you’ve got insurance sitting in your superannuation that could help.
That’s a TPD claim.
Most Aussies don’t even know they’ve got it. It’s like this little safety net hidden in your super fund. You might’ve never ticked a box or signed up for it—but it’s there. Or at least, it might be.
Why it’s not as straightforward as you’d think
You’d reckon something as serious as being permanently unfit for work would make a claim pretty automatic, right? Yeah… nah. TPD claims come with more hoops than a bloody Olympic qualifier.
Every super fund—and insurer behind them—has their own definition of what “totally and permanently disabled” means. And let me tell ya, some of those definitions are stricter than a Catholic school headmistress.
For example:
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“Own occupation”: Can’t do your current job anymore.
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“Any occupation”: Can’t do any job you’re reasonably suited for based on your education, training, or experience.
That second one? Tough as nails to get across the line.
And most policies won’t even look at your claim unless you’ve been off work for at least 3–6 months.
Common stuff-ups that mess with people’s claims
This is where things get messy. People wait too long, or they move too fast, or they just assume everything’ll work itself out.
Here’s a few traps:
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Assuming you don’t have TPD cover – Even casual workers often have it buried in their super.
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Thinking one doctor’s letter is enough – You’ll usually need two independent medical reports. And they need to say you’ll never work again. Not just “struggling” or “taking a break.”
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Believing you can only claim one type of comp – Nah, you can claim workers comp, income protection, and TPD if the policies allow.
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Filing the claim yourself without help – Look, some people get through fine. But a lot end up bogged down in paperwork or rejected over technicalities.
Honestly, it’s a jungle.
Real talk—what’s the actual process like?
So let’s say you’re eligible. What next?
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Call your super fund
Ask directly: “Do I have TPD insurance?” If yes, get your hands on the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS). That’ll lay out all the fine print. -
Check the definition
Are they judging you on “own occupation” or “any occupation”? This is a deal-breaker for a lot of claims. -
Get your medical evidence sorted
Not just your GP’s notes—you’ll need full reports. Two specialists, ideally. And they need to say it’s permanent. -
Fill out the forms
There’ll be application forms from your super fund. These can be detailed—employment history, qualifications, treatment records, daily impact of your condition. It’s a slog. -
Lodge the claim and wait
Some get approved in 8–12 weeks. Others drag on for a year. The more complicated the case—or the more the insurer kicks up a stink—the longer it takes.
Why insurers say “no” (even when it feels wrong)
This bit really grinds people’s gears. You do everything right, jump through all the hoops, and then… boom. Denied.
Why?
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They say you’re not “permanently” disabled – Maybe your condition could improve… even if there’s no sign of that happening.
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Conflicting medical reports – One doc says you’re unfit, another reckons you could do admin work. Guess which one the insurer listens to?
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Gaps in evidence – Something as simple as a missing specialist letter can stall everything.
And sometimes—let’s be honest—they just delay to wear you down. Sad, but it happens.
Case-in-point stories (names changed, obviously)
One bloke had chronic PTSD after a traumatic event at work. Couldn’t leave the house without panic attacks. Tried going back, couldn’t handle it. TPD claim knocked back—insurer reckoned he could do “remote data entry.” Unreal.
Another woman with MS. Used to be a primary school teacher. Physically and mentally drained, couldn’t manage a class. Claim approved—after 11 months, two appeals, and three separate medical assessments.
See the pattern? Not impossible, but rarely smooth sailing.
Got multiple super funds? You could claim more than once
Here’s something most people don’t realise—if you’ve got more than one super fund, and each has TPD insurance, you might be able to claim on each policy. That’s not double dipping—it’s just how the system works.
But heads up: some funds cancel insurance if your account goes inactive. So don’t assume it’s still active if you haven’t checked in years.
This part can feel overwhelming—so who can help?
This is where a lawyer who actually understands TPD and superannuation law is worth their weight in gold.
They’ll read through the fine print, make sure the forms are rock solid, chase down medical evidence, and—if needed—fight back when insurers start playing hardball.
GC Law is one firm that knows how this game works. If you’re feeling stuck, confused, or just don’t want to risk stuffing it up—chat to a TPD lawyer who’s walked people through it before.
So, what’s your next move?
Look, if you’re reading this, you—or someone you care about—is probably doing it tough. And TPD claims? They’re not quick wins. They’re for people who’ve lost their career, their normal life, and are trying to figure out how to stay afloat.
So don’t wait.
Check your super.
Ask the hard questions.
And if it looks like you might be eligible, don’t go it alone. The system isn’t built to make it easy—but the right advice can make a massive difference.
FAQ – Real Questions People Ask All the Time
Q: Can I claim TPD if I already got workers’ comp?
A: Yep. They’re totally separate systems. As long as you meet the criteria, you can claim both.
Q: How long does it take to get a TPD payout?
A: Fastest is 2–3 months. But average is 6–12 months. Longer if it’s disputed or there’s complex medical stuff involved.
Q: Will Centrelink cut me off if I get a TPD payout?
A: Depends. If you take it as a lump sum into super, it might not affect payments immediately. But take it out? That’s income/assets, and it might.
Q: Do I need a lawyer to make a claim?
A: Not legally—but it massively improves your chances. Especially if the claim gets sticky.
Q: What kind of lawyer do I need?
A: Someone who handles TPD and superannuation claims regularly. Not your cousin’s mate who does traffic tickets.
Feeling lost? Here’s your next step
Get proper advice. GC Law helps people navigate complex TPD claims and deal with insurers who don’t play fair. If you’re unsure where to begin or worried about stuffing it up—talk to a lawyer who knows super and insurance law.
Disclaimer
This article is general information only and doesn’t take your specific circumstances into account. Always speak to a qualified lawyer or financial advisor before making any decisions.
