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?Victoria
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 WorkSafe Victoria (1800 136 089) for free information about how the VIC scheme applies to you.
- 6If you disagree with a decision — The Workplace Injury Commission (formerly ACCS) provides free conciliation, and disputes can proceed to court.
- 7Watch the time limits — Report your injury to your employer within 30 days where possible and lodge a claim as soon as possible.
- 8Consider getting independent legal advice before signing anything or accepting a settlement.
How VIC works
- Weekly payments
- Generally 95% of pre-injury average weekly earnings for the first 13 weeks, then 80% up to 130 weeks. Beyond 130 weeks payments continue only if you have no current work capacity likely to continue indefinitely.
- Medical expenses
- Reasonable medical and like services are covered, usually up to 52 weeks after weekly payments end, with longer periods in some cases.
- Permanent impairment
- Impairment benefits are generally available at 10% WPI or more for physical injuries and 30% or more for psychiatric injuries (5% for some spinal injuries).
- Free legal help
- Unions, Victoria Legal Aid and community legal centres can help. WorkSafe Victoria provides information to workers.
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
WorkSafe Victoria Advisory Service
Information for Victorian injured workers about claims, payments and return to work.
Covers: VIC
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.