Supporting You Through Superannuation & TPD Claims
When illness, injury, or a medical condition prevents you from working, the financial impact can be overwhelming. Fortunately, most superannuation funds include insurance benefits such as Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) cover or income protection. These benefits are designed to provide financial security when you need it most.
We’ve been helping South Australians access their entitlements for decades. Our TPD and superannuation lawyers in Adelaide understand the complex rules around super and insurance claims. We are here to simplify the process, guide you at every stage, and ensure you receive the full benefits you’re entitled to.
What Are TPD and Superannuation Claims?
Most superannuation funds include insurance that provides financial support if you become unable to work due to illness or injury. These benefits are separate from your regular super balance and can make a significant difference to your financial security. Depending on your fund, you may be covered for:
A lump sum payment if you are permanently unable to work in your usual occupation or in any other role suited to your skills and training.
Regular benefits if illness or injury stops you from working for a period of time.
You may be able to access your super early if you are permanently incapacitated or diagnosed with a terminal illness.
Paid to beneficiaries or dependants when a loved one passes away.
Superannuation & TPD Claim Legal Services
Superannuation and TPD claims can be complex, with strict criteria and insurers who may look for reasons to deny or delay payments. We take the pressure off by handling the process for you, giving you peace of mind while you focus on your health and recovery.
Our team can assist you with:
- We assess your eligibility by reviewing your superannuation and insurance policies to confirm whether you have a valid claim.
- We prepare and lodge your application, ensuring all forms and supporting documents are accurate and complete to avoid unnecessary delays.
- If your claim is rejected or delayed, we handle disputes by challenging the decision on your behalf through our experienced superannuation and TPD lawyers in Adelaide.
- We negotiate with insurers, dealing directly with super funds and insurers to secure the best possible outcome for you.
How a TPD Claim Works
A TPD claim can feel daunting, but the process is easier to manage when you know what to expect. Most TPD claims follow these steps:
- Check your super and insurance policies. We find every superannuation account you hold and confirm which ones include TPD cover, and what each policy requires.
- Gather medical evidence. Your claim needs reports from your treating doctors and specialists explaining your condition and why you can no longer work.
- Prepare and lodge your claim. The claim forms, medical evidence and employment details are put together and lodged with your super fund.
- The insurer assesses your claim. The insurer reviews your evidence and may ask for more information or arrange its own medical assessment.
- A decision is made. If your claim is approved, the benefit is paid into your super account. If it is rejected, you have the right to challenge the decision.
Do You Have TPD Cover in More Than One Super Fund?
Many people have more than one superannuation account, often from changing jobs over the years. Each account may include its own TPD cover, which means you could be entitled to claim under more than one policy. Each policy has its own definitions and requirements, so a claim that fails under one may still succeed under another. Our superannuation lawyers check every policy so you don’t miss out on an entitlement.
Other Superannuation Insurance Claims We Can Help With
TPD is not the only insurance benefit attached to your super. Our superannuation lawyers also help with:
Income protection claims
Income protection cover pays a regular benefit, usually a portion of your income, if illness or injury stops you from working for a period of time. Claims can be refused or stopped early, and we can help you challenge those decisions.
Terminal illness benefits
If you have been diagnosed with a terminal illness, you may be able to access your superannuation and any insurance attached to it early. We help make these claims as quickly and simply as possible at a very difficult time.
Superannuation death benefit claims
When someone passes away, their super and any life insurance attached to it are paid as a death benefit. Disputes can arise over who should receive it, especially where there are several dependants or no binding nomination. Our lawyers advise family members and dependants on their rights and can help resolve disputed claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does TPD mean?
TPD stands for Total and Permanent Disability. It refers to a lump sum insurance benefit you may be entitled to through your superannuation if you can no longer work due to illness or injury. Our TPD lawyers in Adelaide can help you understand your eligibility and guide you through the claim process.
How do I know if I am eligible for a TPD claim?
Eligibility depends on the wording of your superannuation policy. Generally, you must show that you are unable to return to your usual job, or any job suited to your training, skills, or experience, due to illness or injury. Speaking with our superannuation lawyers in Adelaide ensures your case is properly assessed.
Can I claim TPD through my superannuation fund?
Yes. Most superannuation funds include TPD insurance as part of their coverage. Our team can review your policy, prepare your application, and handle communication with your super fund and insurer.
What happens if my TPD or superannuation claim is denied?
If your claim is rejected, you have the right to challenge the decision. Our TPD lawyers in Adelaide can review the reasons for denial, gather supporting evidence, and fight on your behalf to secure the benefits you deserve.
Why choose Mahony’s Lawyers for superannuation and TPD claims?
With more than 4 decades of experience, Mahony’s Lawyers is recognised as one of South Australia’s most trusted firms. Our superannuation lawyers and TPD lawyers combine legal expertise with compassion, helping you secure financial support when you need it most.
How long does a TPD claim take?
It varies depending on your policy, your medical evidence and how quickly the insurer responds. Some claims are decided within a few months, while complex or disputed claims can take considerably longer. Making sure your claim is complete when it is lodged is one of the best ways to avoid delays.
Can I claim TPD if I have more than one super fund?
Yes. If you have TPD cover in more than one super fund, you may be able to claim under each policy. Each policy is assessed separately under its own terms, so it’s worth having every policy checked before you lodge a claim.
Can I claim TPD and workers’ compensation at the same time?
In many cases, yes. A TPD benefit through your super is separate from a workers’ compensation claim, so you may be entitled to both. How one affects the other depends on your circumstances, so it’s important to get advice that looks at both claims together. Learn more about our work injury lawyers.
How is a TPD payout paid?
An approved TPD benefit is usually paid into your superannuation account as a lump sum. You can then generally withdraw it, although tax may apply depending on your age and circumstances. We recommend getting financial advice before deciding what to do with your payout.
Is there a time limit to make a TPD claim?
Time limits depend on the terms of your policy, and some are stricter than others. Waiting too long can make it harder to gather evidence or keep your rights. If you think you may have a claim, it’s best to get advice as early as possible.
