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?New South Wales
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 State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) (13 10 50) for free information about how the NSW scheme applies to you.
- 6If you disagree with a decision — Personal Injury Commission (PIC) handles disputes.
- 7Watch the time limits — Claims should be made within 6 months of the injury, though late claims may be accepted in some circumstances.
- 8Consider getting independent legal advice before signing anything or accepting a settlement.
How NSW works
- Weekly payments
- Based on pre-injury average weekly earnings (PIAWE). Payments step down after 13 weeks and are reviewed after 130 weeks. Payments usually end at 260 weeks unless you have more than 20% WPI.
- Medical expenses
- Reasonably necessary medical treatment is generally covered, with time limits linked to your impairment level and how long weekly payments were received.
- Permanent impairment
- A lump sum is generally available for more than 10% WPI (physical) or at least 15% WPI (psychological). Only one assessment is usually allowed.
- Free legal help
- The Independent Review Office (IRO) funds approved lawyers through the Independent Legal Assistance and Review Service (ILARS) — free to the worker for many disputes. IRO: 13 94 76.
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
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
State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA)
NSW regulator of workers compensation. Information about your rights and insurer obligations.
Covers: NSW
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.