Many people are unaware that their superannuation may include insurance benefits that provide valuable financial support if they are unable to work because of illness or injury. These benefits can include Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) insurance, income protection insurance, terminal illness benefits and, in some cases, death benefits payable to dependants or an estate.

A successful superannuation or disability claim can provide much-needed financial security during one of the most challenging periods of your life. Whether your inability to work is the result of a workplace injury, motor vehicle accident, medical negligence, public liability incident, or illness such as cancer, heart disease, stroke or a psychological condition, you may have an entitlement to benefits under one or more superannuation policies.

Importantly, you do not need to have been injured at work to make a TPD claim. Eligibility depends on the terms of your insurance policy, not where or how your injury or illness occurred. Many people are surprised to discover they hold multiple superannuation accounts, each with separate insurance cover, meaning they may have more than one potential entitlement.

Superannuation and disability claims can arise in a wide range of circumstances, including serious orthopaedic injuries, spinal injuries, chronic pain conditions, traumatic brain injuries, neurological disorders, cancer, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune conditions, degenerative illnesses, psychological injuries, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and many other medical conditions that permanently prevent a person from returning to suitable employment.

Every policy is different. Some TPD policies assess whether you are unable to return to your own occupation, while others consider whether you are capable of working in any occupation for which you are reasonably suited by your education, training or experience. Understanding these policy definitions is often the key to a successful claim, and careful preparation of the supporting evidence is essential.

I assist clients with all aspects of superannuation and disability claims, including identifying available insurance cover, obtaining and reviewing policy documents, preparing claim forms, gathering medical evidence, obtaining specialist reports, liaising with treating doctors, responding to insurer requests for information, and managing the claim from start to finish. Where necessary, I also assist clients to challenge declined claims and pursue their entitlements through the appropriate review or court process.

Many clients are concerned that making a TPD claim will affect their workers’ compensation, motor vehicle accident, public liability or other personal injury claim. In many cases, different claims can proceed at the same time, although careful consideration must be given to how they interact. Obtaining legal advice early can help maximise your overall entitlements while ensuring each claim is managed appropriately.

Depending on your circumstances and the terms of your policy, you may be entitled to a lump sum TPD payment, ongoing income protection benefits, terminal illness benefits or other insurance entitlements held within your superannuation fund. These benefits are designed to provide financial support when illness or injury has prevented you from returning to work and earning an income.

If you believe your injury or medical condition has permanently affected your ability to work, it is important to seek advice as soon as possible. Delays can make it more difficult to obtain relevant evidence, and some policies impose notification requirements or other procedural obligations that should be addressed promptly.

I understand that losing the ability to work can affect every aspect of your life, creating financial pressure and uncertainty about the future. My role is to identify every available entitlement, explain your options in clear and practical terms, gather the evidence needed to support your claim, and guide you through the process with professionalism, compassion and straightforward advice. My focus is on securing the benefits you are entitled to, allowing you to concentrate on your health and your future.