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If you’re experiencing an illness or injury that stops you from working, you may be eligible to claim a TPD benefit. For many people, making a TPD claim can be a complex process. That’s why we aim to make the process as simple, fair and transparent as possible, for our claimants.

And while every claim can be different depending on personal circumstances, we treat all of our claimants with compassion, dignity and respect. We’re here to support you, every step of the way.

Download the handbook

For a detailed guide on the claims process and the steps you need to take, please download our handbook.

Download

Your guide to the claims process

At every stage of the claims process, we’re here to support you and progress your claim as quickly as possible. Our Making a TPD claim video provides an overview of our claims process, and if you would like more details, please refer to our Making a TPD benefit claim handbook.

How the claims process works

Every claim is different, and the time it takes to assess a claim can vary. But in each case, we’re here to make the process as straightforward as we can. We follow a 5-step claims process 

Claims process diagram

Things to know before you lodge a claim

TPD insurance cover can provide a lump sum payment – a TPD benefit – if you become permanently disabled because of injury or illness and you’re no longer able to work. Your claim for a TPD benefit will be assessed by our insurer, in line with the policy terms and conditions, to see if a benefit is payable.

You may be eligible to make a TPD claim if:

  • you’re unlikely to work again in any occupation that you’re suited to by your education, training or experience, or
  • you’re unable to carry out certain everyday working activities, or
  • you meet one or more of the immediate assessment conditions, subject to claim requirements being satisfied.

If your claim is approved, the amount payable to you will be the TPD insurance cover you held through your Equip Super account as at the date of your disablement. The TPD benefit will be paid into your super account and will form part of your total account balance.

You may be eligible to claim permanent incapacity, which allows for the early release of your super account balance.

To be eligible, two legally qualified medical practitioners must first certify that, due to your illness or injury you’re unlikely to ever return to work in any occupation for which you are reasonably qualified by your education, training or experience.

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 TPD benefit claim handbook.

We aim to finalise claims as quickly as possible. In most cases, TPD claims are finalised within six 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, your employer, and your treating doctors and specialists.

A TPD payment may incur income tax depending on your personal circumstances and how the benefit is withdrawn. We recommend you seek financial advice to understand how any benefit payment made to you may be taxed*. Refer to the handbook for further details.

Eligibility to receive a TPD benefit doesn’t affect any income protection (IP) payments you may be eligible to claim. Any IP payments you’re receiving will continue for either the duration of your benefit period or until you turn 65 years of age (whichever occurs first), as long as you continue to meet the terms and conditions of the IP policy.

Taking care of you

Having to stop work because of an illness or injury can be stressful for you as well as your family. And going through the process of making an insurance claim can seem like an additional challenge. Our team is here to help guide you and ensure the claims process is as easy and straightforward as possible

Speak to our team

Making a claim can be a difficult and emotional process.

Whenever you’re ready, or if you need some guidance, please call us on: 1800 682 626

Monday to Friday between 8am-8pm AET. 

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Are you a First Nations person or experiencing difficulty providing documents

If you’re having trouble providing the required documents or proof of your identity, please give our team a call
on 1800 682 626, Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm AET