How to Check if You Have TPD in Your Super and What Support May Be Available

A lot of Australians hold insurance through their super without realising it. For eligible members, super can include life cover, TPD cover and sometimes income protection — and your fund statement will usually show what insurance you have and how much cover applies.

If illness or injury has stopped you working, it's worth checking your super before concluding there's no support available. Often people only discover possible cover after their health has changed, work has stopped, and money starts to get tight. A proper review at that point can make a real difference.

Who should think about checking their super?

It may be worth a closer look if:

• illness or injury has stopped you working
• you're unsure what insurance sits inside your super
• you've changed jobs a number of times
• you may have old or forgotten accounts
• you want to know whether a TPD, life insurance or income protection option might be worth exploring

A handy rule of thumb: if you were over 25, held more than $6,000 in super, and were receiving employer contributions, it's worth checking whether your fund included insurance cover.

Why lost or forgotten super matters

Old accounts are easy to lose sight of. Several employers over the years can mean several accounts, and some of the older ones may still matter when you review your position. The ATO notes you can use its online services to keep track of your super, including ATO-held super, and explains how to consolidate multiple accounts.

The point is that your current fund isn't always the only place to look.

How CantWork works

At CantWork we keep the process simple and practical.

1. Fill in the form

Start with a quick Free Claim Check and tell us a little about your situation.

2. We call to confirm the details

We talk through your health, work history and the kind of support you may need.

3. We help locate your super

We help review your current fund and any lost or forgotten accounts that may be relevant.

4. We review your potential entitlements and next steps

We look at whether a life insurance claim, TPD claim, income protection option or early-super pathway might be worth exploring, then explain the next step in plain English.

What CantWork can help you review

Depending on your situation, a review may take in:

• TPD claims through super
• life insurance claims
• income protection claims
• terminal illness-related insurance support
• lost or forgotten account checks
• early access to super in limited circumstances

Early access to super: worth understanding properly

Early access isn't available simply because someone is under financial pressure. The ATO is clear that you can only access super early in very limited circumstances — compassionate grounds, terminal illness, incapacity and severe financial hardship — each with its own eligibility criteria and evidence requirements.

That's why it's best approached carefully: check your eligibility, review your options, and understand the next step.

Why a proper review matters

When people are unwell or out of work, they rarely have the time or energy to chase multiple funds, read policy terms, or work out whether an old account still counts. A structured review pulls all of that into one place.

Rather than guessing, you can identify where your super sits, check whether insurance may exist, understand what type of cover may apply, and see whether a support pathway is worth pursuing.

Start with a Free Claim Check

If illness or injury has stopped you working, the best first step is to find out where you stand. A Free Claim Check can help you talk through your situation, identify relevant accounts, check whether insurance through super exists, and see whether a life insurance or early-super option might be worth exploring.