Most super funds (not self-managed funds) offer three kinds of insurance: life, total and permanent disability (TPD) and income protection. Most give life and TPD cover automatically if you are 25 or over (Moneysmart). If illness or injury has stopped you working, you may be able to claim.
Find out if you are covered
- Find all your super accounts in myGov (ATO online services: Super > Fund details), the ATO app, or by calling the ATO on 13 10 20.
- For each fund, call them, log in, or check the annual statement and product disclosure statement for the type and amount of cover.
- Check before you combine accounts: closing an account can end its insurance. By law, funds cancel insurance on accounts with no contributions for 16 months, after contacting you first.
- TPD cover in super usually ends at 65.
How TPD and income protection pay
TPD pays a lump sum if you meet the insurer’s definition of being totally and permanently disabled; each insurer has its own definition. Income protection usually replaces a percentage of your income (for example 75% or 90%) after a waiting period (Moneysmart).
If your claim is rejected
- Complain to the super fund or insurer first. A super trustee must answer within 45 days (ASIC RG 271).
- Then you can go to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), which is free: 1800 931 678.
- Watch the time limits. Under AFCA's rules, if you stopped work permanently because of your condition, you must have claimed within 2 years of stopping work and must complain to AFCA within 4 years of the decision. AFCA says it will not extend these limits.
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General information, not legal advice. Claim Done is not a law firm. Checked against the official sources below on 22 October 2026. If you need an interpreter, call TIS National on 131 450.
Official sources
- Moneysmart: Insurance through super
- Moneysmart: TPD insurance
- Moneysmart: Income protection insurance
- Moneysmart: Making a life insurance claim
- ATO: Super health check
- ASIC RG 271: Internal dispute resolution
- AFCA: Superannuation complaints