By Talk to a Lawyer · Published 19 September 2026 · 4 minute read
Total and permanent disability insurance through superannuation is assessed against the applicable policy and circumstances. Being unable to work does not by itself identify the correct test or establish a benefit. Start with the fund, work history, relevant dates and any claim or decision already made, including other funds or policies that may be involved.
Read. Prepare. Find an office.
Use this guide to organise your questions, then confirm the provider’s experience, availability and first-stage fee.
Find tpd & superannuation claims providers →Locate the cover and wording for the relevant period
Collect fund statements, insurance information, employment details and correspondence about cover. Ask which policy version and dates matter to the assessment. Cover can change, and a current webpage may not describe the terms relevant to an earlier event. Do not assume every fund uses the same definition or evidence requirements.
Prepare functional and employment evidence
Provide occupation, duties, qualifications, work changes and medical information already available. Ask what additional reports are needed and whether the fund or adviser will request them. Keep copies of forms and answers submitted. Accurate description of actual work and limitations is more useful than broad labels that leave the insurer unable to assess the policy criteria.
Understand claim, complaint and fee stages
Ask whether the proposed service covers an initial application, further evidence, a complaint or representation after rejection. Clarify professional fees, report costs and what is payable under different outcomes. Tell the adviser about other benefits or claims and ask whether separate financial or tax advice is needed before decisions about proceeds.
Compare the proposed fee with the work still required
A claim already supported by documents may involve different work from a rejected claim requiring further evidence or a complaint. Ask the provider to identify the current stage, missing information and likely next tasks before comparing costs. Read how the fee is calculated, what external expenses are additional and what happens if representation ends. Ask whether the scope includes communication with the fund and insurer, review of offers and any later dispute. Keep copies of all material submitted on your behalf.
Compare the scope and cost of advice
Compare injury and insurance services using the actual claim stage and proposed funding agreement. Ask whether direct applications, free support or scheme-specific assistance are available. If conditional fees are offered, read how professional fees, reports, external expenses and termination are handled. An advertised outcome or a no-win-no-fee label does not explain the evidence required or every possible cost.
- Initial assessment
- Ask which scheme or policy is being considered, what evidence is missing and whether the first review creates any fee or report commitment.
- Evidence and claim work
- Confirm who requests records and experts, how costs are approved and whether the service includes responses to further information requests or insurer decisions.
- Offer or dispute
- Ask how an offer is explained, what deductions or releases require consideration and whether complaints, reviews or proceedings are included in the agreed scope.
Read the guide to consultation fees and written quotes, or use the provider comparison worksheet.
Illustrative situation · not a client result
What a focused enquiry looks like
A former tradesperson has statements from two funds and a recent rejection from one. They ask the adviser to assess each policy and relevant period separately rather than assuming one decision determines both.
Your preparation checklist
Gather what you already have. Mark missing records and uncertain dates rather than guessing; ask the office what it needs before sending sensitive documents.
0 of 4 gathered · ticks reset when you leave this page.
A preparation aid, not confirmation that a legal requirement is complete.
A first enquiry you can adapt
I may have TPD cover through [fund] and have [not applied, applied or received a decision]. The relevant work and health dates are [dates]. Can you review the applicable policy, remaining evidence and written fee terms before I engage?
Replace the bracketed details with accurate information. Keep the first message brief and confirm a secure channel for the full records.
Common questions about tpd & superannuation claims
Does TPD mean the same thing in every policy?
No. Ask the adviser to identify and explain the wording that applies to the relevant cover and period.
Can I ask the fund about a claim directly?
Yes, funds provide claims processes. Legal advice may help with uncertain cover, evidence, disputed decisions or understanding engagement choices.
Further reading and scope
Moneysmart: insurance through super
Australia; general insurance information. The relevant policy wording governs individual cover.
This is general preparation information, not an assessment of your legal position. Requirements, dates and available remedies depend on the facts and jurisdiction. The linked resource has the scope described above; it does not verify an individual provider or this guide.