A Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) claim is a claim for a lump sum insurance benefit through your superannuation, specifically if you are unable to work due to illness or injury. It helps provide financial support when returning to your previous job or any suitable work is no longer possible.

To be eligible for an insurance payout, you generally need to meet the following TPD claim requirements in Australia: • Incapacity to work: Your injury or illness renders you incapable of returning to your previous job or any role suited to your education, training, or experience. • Medical evidence: You have medical reports and other formally recognised supporting material illustrating the impact and extent of your injury and/or illness that permanently prevents future employment. • Super fund or insurer terms: You need to hold an active insurance policy to claim TPD benefits through super or a standalone policy. Your medical condition and personal circumstances must also meet the definitions specified under your coverage. Some superannuation insurers will also consider your age and the stability of your employment history when validating your claim. • Waiting period: You have stopped working for a required minimum period (e.g., 3–6 months) as defined in the policy. • Continued treatment: You are undergoing appropriate medical care or rehabilitation for your condition. It is important to review the terms set in your policy of insurance, as all insurers have different TPD eligibility criteria.

You can only make a TPD claim in Australia with your superannuation provider when you hold active coverage. Not all super funds offer TPD insurance by default, so you must check your fund’s policy to confirm eligibility. If you have not consolidated your superannuation or consistently used the same fund across all roles you have employed, you could have several active plans. You may be entitled to make TPD claims with multiple super funds, provided your injury and/or illness meets their conditions. You would also need to lodge a separate application for each active plan.

There are no strict timeframes for lodging a TPD superannuation claim, but delays can affect the outcome. However, it is important to review your policy as some super funds and insurers may impose their own deadlines.

Superannuation disability claims generally take between 6 and 12 months to process, depending on the complexity of your injury, the responsiveness of your super fund, and the scope of the supporting documentation you have submitted.

It depends on your coverage and how many active policies of insurance you are party to. To ensure you receive the highest level of support, it is essential to [contact Brydens Lawyers](https://www.brydens.com.au/make-a-claim/) for legal assistance with your TPD claims. Our team will comprehensively review your needs, lifestyle and the impact of your injury to ensure you can claim everything you are entitled to.