If you stopped working due to injury or illness, you may still be able to lodge a Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) claim through your superannuation – even if you haven’t been working for years.

In Australia, there is generally no strict time limit to apply. Instead, what matters is whether you held TPD cover when you last worked and meet your super fund’s definition of disability.

Many people aren’t aware that they have TPD insurance attached to their super fund, or that they can claim against more than one policy of insurance attached to their super funds.

What this means is that TPD insurance can provide a lump sum payout if you’re permanently unable to work due to illness or injury, allowing you to access medical and rehabilitation treatment. And if you have more than one super fund, you may have more than one TPD insurance policy that you can claim against.

To qualify for a superannuation TPD claim, you must meet the insurer’s definition of a total and permanent disability.

While each insurer has a different definition of what this means, there are two main ways TPD insurers define disability in their policies:

• Own Occupation – you’re unable to return to the job you were working in prior to your disability.
• Any Occupation – you’re unable to work in any job suited to your education, training or experience.

It’s essential to understand exactly what TPD insurance covers, since payout eligibility and claim success depend on these definitions.

Even if you stopped working years ago, you can still make a claim if you met the criteria at that time.

Typically, TPD and income protection claims can take 9 to 12 months to resolve. The exact time frame will depend on the individual circumstances of each case but as a guide, engaging a TPD lawyer involves the following:

1. An initial phone call or in person meeting to discuss your claim.
2. Taking a statement from you in relation to your injuries, and your education, training and experience.
3. Obtaining insurance policy documents.
4. Obtaining any relevant medical records.
5. Obtaining any relevant financial records.
6. Obtaining reports from appropriate doctors.
7. Preparing and submitting your detailed claim for consideration.

In many cases, super funds accept claims lodged years after finishing work, provided these conditions are met.

Many valid claims are initially rejected due to technicalities, making it vital to engage a personal injury lawyer to ensure your claim is prepared correctly from the start.

To maximise your chances of successfully bringing a TPD claim, you should:

1. Verify your coverage – Confirm that your super held TPD cover at the time you stopped working.
2. Understand the definitions – Align your medical evidence with the fund’s specific criteria (own vs. any occupation).
3. Submit strong documentation – Include detailed medical reports and employment histories.
4. Act promptly – Although there’s no strict time limit, delays can make obtaining records more difficult.

Navigating superannuation TPD claims can be complex. A specialist TPD lawyer will:

• Identify any existing coverage, even across multiple outdated super accounts
• Prepare and submit a legally sound claim
• Appeal if your claim is rejected or delayed
• Increase your chances of obtaining the full eligible payout

Even years after injury or illness stopped you from working, you may still qualify for a TPD claim.

We offer a free claim check and will ensure you receive the financial support you need.