If you’re unable to work in your usual job because of injury or illness, you may be entitled to benefits through your super.

Most super funds provide insurance that entitles you to benefits when you’re injured or ill, regardless of how the injury or illness occurred. Depending on the fund, and the nature of the injury, the benefit can be paid as a lump sum or as periodic benefits. Usually, the benefit will not reduce your superannuation fund account balance.

You may be entitled to a superannuation disability benefit if you:

• have an injury or illness that prevents you from working in your normal occupation or working your full hours; and
• were a member of a super fund at the time you sustained your injury or illness or stopped working.

There are several types of disability insurance benefits you may be entitled to:

1. Income Protection Benefit: This usually consists of a monthly payment based on a percentage of your wage.
2. Total And Permanent Disability (TPD) Benefit: A TPD benefit is normally paid as a lump sum. To qualify, you generally must show that you are permanently unfit for your usual employment, or any other employment for which you are qualified.
3. Terminal Illness: If you have been diagnosed with a terminal illness you may be entitled to claim your life insurance through your super fund paid as a tax-free lump sum.
4. Trauma Insurance: Some insurance companies offer the option of taking out an insurance policy for certain medical conditions. This is usually called trauma insurance and it entitles you to a lump sum benefit if you suffer one of the specific illnesses, injuries, disabilities or undergo certain types of surgery listed in the insurance policy.

Slater and Gordon Lawyers can evaluate your circumstances and let you know if you’re eligible for benefits. We can support you through the process of making a claim with your super fund to maximise your chance of a successful outcome. We run superannuation claims for our clients on a No Win – No Fee* basis.

If your claim is denied, we can explore all possible avenues to challenge the decision to give you the best chance of obtaining your entitlement.

Time limits can apply for lodging a claim and will apply for challenging a decision, so it’s important to act quickly. We recommend you contact HACSU and ask for a priority referral to Slater and Gordon.

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