Making a Terminal illness (TI) claim

You may be eligible to claim for the early access of your super account balance (tax free) due to a terminal medical condition under superannuation law.

In accordance with the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Regulations 1994, the Equip Super Trustee will assess and determine your eligibility if:

• two registered medical practitioners certify (jointly or separately) that you suffer from an illness, or has incurred an injury, that is likely to result in your death within a period that ends not more than 24 months after the date of certification (the ‘certification period’)
• at least one of the medical practitioners is a specialist practising in an area related to your illness or injury, and
• the certification period has not ended.

Once we receive this certification the Trustee of Equip Super will review your claim in line with the early release provisions set out in superannuation law, and the Equip Super Trust Deed.

You can find more information about Making a terminal illness claim handbook.

We aim to finalise claims as quickly as possible. In most cases, TI claims are finalised within two months after all the necessary documentation has been submitted. However, the timeframe may vary depending on the complexity of the claim and the availability of information required from you and your treating doctors and specialists.

If your claim is approved, and you choose to withdraw your benefit within 24 months of certification, you’ll receive your account balance and any insured benefit (if applicable) as a tax-free lump sum payment.

After the 24-month certification period you can still access any remaining funds you have not withdrawn, although they may not be tax free. Any new contributions and investment earnings received after the 24-month certification period can’t be withdrawn until you’ve reached age 65, or you’ve retired from the workforce, or you meet a condition of release.

There’s no waiting period to make a terminal illness claim.

Dan would not meet the TI definition if:

• he cannot provide reports from two registered medical practitioners, certifying his life expectancy is less than 24 months from the date of his diagnosis,

• at least one doctor is not a specialist practicing in the area related to his condition, and

• the insurer is not satisfied he meets the definition of TI under the policy and the Trustee agrees with the insurer’s decision.

What if Dan doesn’t have death insurance cover 

Even without death insurance, Dan may still be able to access of his super early as a tax-free benefit due to a terminal medical condition. 

Equip Super will assess his eligibility if: 

• two registered medical practitioners certify (jointly or separately) that he has an illness or injury,  likely to result in death within 24 months of the certification 

• at least one doctor is a specialist practicing in an area related to his illness or injury, and 

• the certification period has not ended.

^{If you don’t have death cover or don’t meet the TI policy requirements, you may still be able to apply for Permanent Incapacity claim to access your super early. You may also be eligible to make a claim under TPD cover or IP cover if it’s included in your super.}

^{For more information, visit equipsuper.com.au/claims or contact us.}

^{The sample case studies are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not representative of a member’s actual experience in Equip Super or any other fund. The benefits that a member may receive will depend on the individual and specific circumstances that comprise a member’s claim.}

^{Insurer is MetLife Insurance Limited (ABN 75 004 274 882 AFSL 238096). Please refer to the Insurance in your super guide for more information available at equipsuper.com.au}