Government agencies & regulatorsFree Verified
Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA)
Free, independent complaints service for disputes with super funds and insurers, including TPD and income protection.
Covers: National
What applies to me?
Your plain-English action plan
Step 1 · Your situation
Step 2 · Your state or scheme
Step 3 · Your next steps
What is Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) insurance?Australian Capital Territory
In one sentence
Many Australians have TPD cover in their super without knowing it — and it is a separate claim from workers' compensation.
Your next steps
- 1Log in to myGov and check all your super accounts.
- 2Request the insurance policy documents from each fund.
- 3Ask your doctors whether you are likely to return to work.
- 4Contact AFCA (1800 931 678) if a fund refuses your claim.
- 5Contact WorkSafe ACT (13 22 81) for free information about how the ACT scheme applies to you.
- 6If you disagree with a decision — Disputes can be referred to conciliation and arbitration, and proceedings may be brought in the ACT Magistrates Court.
- 7Watch the time limits — Claims should be made as soon as possible.
- 8Consider getting independent legal advice before signing anything or accepting a settlement.
How ACT works
- Weekly payments
- Based on pre-incapacity weekly earnings, stepping down after 26 weeks, and generally continuing while you have reduced capacity until retirement age.
- Medical expenses
- Reasonable medical and related treatment costs are covered.
- Permanent impairment
- Lump sums for permanent loss or impairment are payable based on a table of maims or a WPI assessment.
- Free legal help
- Legal Aid ACT, unions and community legal centres can help.
Questions you may have
How do I find my super accounts?
Log in to myGov and link the ATO — it lists all your super accounts, including lost super.
Does a WorkCover payout reduce TPD?
Usually not, but it depends on the policy. Some policies have offsets. Check the policy or get advice.
Is a lawyer needed?
Not always, but TPD claims can be complex. Many TPD lawyers offer no-win-no-fee arrangements — ask about all costs in writing.
Support available to you
Government agencies & regulatorsFree Verified
Fair Work Ombudsman
Information about workplace rights, dismissal and pay. Fair Work Commission deals with unfair dismissal and bullying applications.
Covers: National
Financial counsellingFree Verified
National Debt Helpline
Free, confidential, independent financial counselling to help with debts, bills and hardship.
Covers: National
Government agencies & regulatorsFree Verified
Services Australia – Disability, Sickness and Carers
Centrelink line for the Disability Support Pension, sickness-related payments and carers.
Covers: National
Government agencies & regulatorsFree Verified
WorkSafe ACT
ACT work health and safety and workers compensation regulator.
Covers: ACT
General information only. Rules change and depend on your circumstances. Check with your regulator or get independent legal, financial or medical advice about your situation.