TPD evidence guide
Work history evidence should show what the person actually did, for how long, at what skill level and why each role changed or ended. Job titles alone rarely explain the duties or alternative work relevant to a TPD definition.
Start with the insurance policy attached to the relevant super account. TPD generally concerns a policy-defined level of permanent work incapacity, but definitions, cover dates and evidence requirements differ. A diagnosis or inability to do one job does not automatically establish approval.
Work history evidence should show what the person actually did, for how long, at what skill level and why each role changed or ended. Job titles alone rarely explain the duties or alternative work relevant to a TPD definition. TPD is an insurance benefit that may be attached to superannuation. It is not a general payment for having a serious diagnosis or injury. The insurer and trustee assess the claim under the definition, exclusions, cover and procedural requirements that applied to the relevant account and date.
Policy wording can differ between funds, products and periods of cover. Some definitions focus on work suited by education, training or experience; others may use different tests depending on employment status or other policy conditions. The actual documents should be obtained rather than relying on a summary webpage.
Collect records in their original form and organise them by date. Strong evidence is relevant, consistent and connected to the policy question; a large unsorted bundle may hide rather than resolve an important gap.
Medical reports should explain findings, treatment, prognosis and practical restrictions within the clinician’s expertise. Work material should explain real duties, hours, reliability, accommodations and failed attempts. Together they should show what can or cannot be sustained, not just list diagnoses and job titles.
Identify the precise issue before adding more material. A claim may involve several distinct questions at once, and each should be answered with the policy and evidence relevant to it.
Keep the claim accurate and evidence-led. Do not stop necessary treatment or ask a clinician to make legal findings outside their role.
List all super accounts, obtain the policy and cover history, create medical and work chronologies, preserve insurer correspondence and identify unanswered questions. Early review can help determine which evidence is relevant without promising that the claim will be approved.
Send your TPD claim detailsDocuments and records
A TPD enquiry usually needs both medical evidence and work-history material, not just a diagnosis.
Common questions
Short general answers only. The right next step depends on the facts, dates and documents.
No. A diagnosis, injury, inability to perform one role, rejection or delay does not by itself establish entitlement. The applicable policy definition, cover and evidence must be assessed.
Yes. Definitions and conditions can differ between funds, insurance products and periods of cover. Obtain the policy that applied to the relevant account and date.
Common material includes the policy and cover history, complete medical records and reports, treatment and function evidence, a detailed work history, job duties and records of work attempts or changes.
It can. The significance depends on the policy wording and facts such as duties, hours, support, reliability, earnings and whether the work is genuinely sustainable.
TPD enquiry
Send the super fund details, work history, medical position and any insurer or trustee letter. TPD enquiries usually start with policy wording and evidence.
