Superannuation and private insurance claim expertise
Whether you’re looking to process a compensation claim through your superannuation fund or make a private insurance claim, the Barbante Personal Injury Lawyers team is here to help you with everything you need.
Are you injured or suffering from an illness and unable to work?
We’re here to help you access claim entitlements from superannuation and insurance payments if you’re unable to work due to injury or illness.
While the process might seem a little daunting and complicated, we’re here to guide you through the claims submission.
Superannuation claims
Wondering what you are able to claim through superannuation?
Insurance benefits, whether through a private company or a super fund, covers loss of work due to injury or illness whether or not the cause of the loss is related to your work.
If your income, work, or working capacity has been negatively affected by an accident or event, make sure to contact our team today to see what you may be able to claim.
Benefits
The following benefits can be included through superannuation funds and private insurance claims.
- Total permanent disability (TPD)
- Income protection (IP)
- Trauma
- Death
Payments
You might be entitled to receive benefits in the form or either:
- A lump-sum payment
- Monthly payments
Superannuation access
In some circumstances, claimants are able to access the entirety of a superannuation account balance.
Depending on the particulars of the situation, this benefit may be automatically provided or you may be required to apply for it.
WorkCover and TAC
If you are already receiving WorkCover or Transport Accident Commission (TAC) payments and benefits you may still be entitled to additional Superannuation Insurance Benefits and other loss-of-income protection.
While the policy will need to be in force as of the date you last worked or the date of the injury, make sure to speak to us today about looking into your eligibility.
Get super-charged superannuation and insurance advice
Barbante Personal Injury Lawyers has been operating in the world of superannuation and private insurance for decades. We’re more than qualified to help you determine whether you’re qualified for benefit claims through your insurance and superannuation fund.
To start the process of your claim, contact us today, or use our free claim check questionnaire to better understand the particulars of your situation.
Superannuation insurance frequently asked questions
What does the superannuation insurance benefit cover?
Generally, superannuation funds offer an insurance benefit for insured individuals who suffer an injury or illness.
Funds work in different ways. Some funds automatically provide insured benefits to members, while others require a manual application for any insurance benefit you want to claim.
How do you know who is eligible to lodge a claim?
Each superannuation fund differs in its criteria and requirements for determining eligibility. Your entitlements are dependent upon the superannuation fund's terms of the 'trust deed', as well as the terms of the specific insurance policy.
Our team is more than capable of assisting you in assessing whether or not you can lodge a claim. To help us out we will need:
- Your Superannuation Fund Financial Statement from when you stopped working or when the injury occurred. This Statement will indicate if you were insured at the appropriate time.
- Medical evidence to prove that you were unable to return to work. This is dependent upon the definition of your fund.
- We will, if you approve us to act on your behalf, request further medical reports from your treating doctors and specialists regarding your injuries or illness. These will be used with the intent of making a claim on your behalf for your insured benefit.
What do you need to lodge a claim?
For a disability benefits claim, you will need a claim form, medical reports and relevant documents from medical and other relevant authorities. Tax reports and written submissions will also be required. A helpful rule of thumb is that the more information gathered, the better for your claim.
For death benefits claims, you need a claim form and any papers showing your relationship to the deceased and any financial dependents.
If you need a hand getting the documents required to lodge a claim, we can assist you. From the forms themselves to guidance throughout the procedure, and even collating and submitting all the information, we’re here to help.
When can you lodge a claim?
A claim can be lodged as soon as you stop work.
This means you can claim your Superannuation Insurance Benefits when you can't work due to illness, injury or disability. You can also request your superannuation account balance as a lump-sum or to be made available in installments once you have retired.
What type of benefits could you be eligible for?
Total and Permanent Disability (TPD)
If you have a TPD claim, you may be eligible to receive a lump-sum payment. This is dependent upon not being able to work for six months or more due to the illness or injury.
Income Protection (IP)
If you cannot work due to your injury sustained, IP insurance could give a monthly benefit for a fixed and predetermined period of time.
Death
When a loved one passes away, your insurance will generally allow for a lump-sum to be payable to the policy holder's beneficiaries (a 'Death Benefit'). This can include a spouse or child.
Often individuals overlook claiming the superannuation fund benefits that are owing to them, especially from funds requiring manual applications.
When you turn to us here at Barbante Personal Injury Lawyers, we’ll make sure that you collect all the benefits rightfully owed to you.
Trauma
If you have been subjected to specific injuries or a defined medical condition, you may be entitled to receive a lump-sum payment, even if you are still working.
Do injuries need to be work-related?
Your injury and incapacity does not have to be work-related to make a claim for income protection or total and permanent disability insurance.
Can you have more than one Total and Permanent Disability claim?
Yes, you can have multiple Total Permanent Disability (TPD) claims. This is more usual for individuals who are a member of multiple superannuation funds.
Can you have a superannuation claim as a pre-existing WorkCover, TAC or Public Liability client of Barbante Personal Injury Lawyers’?
Yes. If you have a pre-existing claim with us, we’ll probably already have all the evidence required collated. This makes for an advantage as we will be in a better position to make an assessment of the likelihood you will benefit from a successful superannuation claim.
Do you have to go to insurance doctors?
Yes, you will generally have to see insurance doctors. These appointments are called Independent Medical Examinations and need to be carried out by a certified medical representative.
What happens if you go back to work?
Your TPD claim will likely stop. However, you might still be eligible to receive partial disability payments depending on the type of work being performed and the circumstances in which you return to work.
As each claim is unique, the Barbante team will offer correct, tailored legal advice and ensure you understand exactly what your particular situation entails.
Who can claim Superannuation Death benefit?
When a loved one passes away, any dependents of the deceased or their estate can claim superannuation death benefits. This includes a legally married spouse, de facto partner (including same-sex partners), children, financial dependants and inter-dependants.
What happens if a claim is rejected?
If a claim is rejected, you are able to submit a complaint about the decision within 28 days. If you lodge an internal complaint, the insurer or trustee will be required to make a decision within 90 days.
Appeals can be made to the Superannuation Complaints Tribunal within 28 days or to a court.
