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?New South Wales
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 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
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
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.