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?South Australia
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 ReturnToWorkSA (13 18 55) for free information about how the SA scheme applies to you.
- 6If you disagree with a decision — The South Australian Employment Tribunal (SAET) handles disputes, starting with conciliation.
- 7Watch the time limits — Disputes generally must be lodged within 1 month of the decision.
- 8Consider getting independent legal advice before signing anything or accepting a settlement.
How SA works
- Weekly payments
- Generally paid for up to 2 years (104 weeks) after the injury, with a step-down after 52 weeks. 'Seriously injured workers' (30% WPI or more) may receive payments until retirement age.
- Medical expenses
- Reasonable medical costs are generally covered for 12 months after weekly payments end, unless you are a seriously injured worker.
- Permanent impairment
- Lump sums for non-economic and economic loss are generally available at 5% WPI or more for physical injuries. Psychiatric injuries generally do not attract a lump sum except as a seriously injured worker.
- Free legal help
- Some legal costs may be covered under the Act. Unions, Legal Services Commission SA and community legal centres can help.
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
ReturnToWorkSA
South Australia's return to work scheme — information about claims and support.
Covers: SA
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.