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
Can I access income protection through my superannuation?Commonwealth Schemes (Comcare, Seacare, DVA)
In one sentence
Some super funds include income protection that pays a monthly benefit — but WorkCover payments may reduce it.
Your next steps
- 1Call your super fund and ask what insurance you hold.
- 2Request the product disclosure statement for your cover.
- 3Lodge a claim even if you are unsure about offsets.
- 4Speak with a super lawyer or AFCA if refused.
- 5Contact Comcare (1300 366 979) for free information about how the Commonwealth scheme applies to you.
- 6If you disagree with a decision — Request reconsideration by Comcare or your employer, then apply to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART).
- 7Watch the time limits — Reconsideration requests generally must be made within 30 days of receiving the decision.
- 8Consider getting independent legal advice before signing anything or accepting a settlement.
How Commonwealth works
- Weekly payments
- Incapacity payments are based on normal weekly earnings, stepping down over time, and can continue until pension age in some cases.
- Medical expenses
- Reasonable medical treatment costs are covered for accepted conditions.
- Permanent impairment
- Permanent impairment compensation is generally available at 10% WPI or more (lower for some injuries such as fingers, toes, taste and smell).
- Free legal help
- Unions, Legal Aid and ex-service organisation advocates (for DVA) can help. Open Arms supports veterans and families: 1800 011 046.
Questions you may have
I left my job. Am I still covered?
Cover may continue for a period after you stop work or the account becomes inactive. Check the policy and your fund.
Is income protection taxed?
Income protection benefits are generally taxed as income. Get tax advice for your situation.
Can I claim both TPD and income protection?
Often yes, they are different benefits. The policy terms decide.
Support available to you
Government agencies & regulatorsFree Verified
Comcare
Commonwealth workers' compensation scheme — claims information and reconsiderations.
Covers: Cwlth
Government agencies & regulatorsFree Verified
Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA)
Compensation, rehabilitation and support for current and former ADF members.
Covers: Cwlth
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
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.