Insurance cover for what matters
Total and Permanent Disablement (TPD) cover is insurance you can receive through your super. It pays a one-off lump sum if you are permanently disabled by an injury or illness and are unlikely to ever work again.
What is TPD cover, and how does it work?
TPD cover is insurance that pays you a lump sum if you become totally and permanently disabled due to illness or injury.
When you join Cbus Super, you might qualify for automatic TPD cover tailored to members in construction and higher-risk jobs. This cover can provide financial support to you and your family if you are permanently unable to work due to disability.
Applying for a TPD benefit
To make a claim due to illness or injury, your TPD cover must have been in place at the time of your disability. Also, our insurer must be satisfied that you meet the policy's definition of total and permanent disablement.
You may be entitled to claim a TPD benefit when:
- Your claim is assessed, you’re unlikely to work again in any job you’re reasonably suited for based on your education, training and experience
Learn more about what TPD means (PDF).
Find out more information on how to claim a TPD benefit.
Things to remember
The occupation category you fall into affects how much automatic TPD cover you may receive and how much you pay for cover. The occupation category is based on the duties you perform in your role.
Subject to eligibility and occupation category, you might receive automatic TPD cover (default cover). If you’re in the manual occupation category, cover generally begins with your first on-time super payment, regardless of being under 25.
If you don’t receive automatic TPD cover, you can apply for it until age 70.
If you do not work for an employer or you’re unemployed, you can apply for TPD cover under Personal Super.
If you’re not employed but work as a sole trader, you can obtain cover automatically when you join Cbus Sole Trader Super.
Usually, a 3-month waiting period is required before making a TPD claim.
If you have a specified medical condition, the insurer will assess your claim straight away. Refer to the TPD fact sheet for a complete list of these specified medical conditions.
You can apply to change or cancel your cover at any time. Learn more.
Make a TPD cover claim
TPD cover can help protect you and your family and cover some of your financial costs if you are permanently unable to work due to disability.
How much TPD cover do I need?
The amount of TPD cover you require depends on your circumstances and financial obligations. You can use our insurance needs calculator to help work out how much cover you might need.
Who pays your super?
The amount of automatic TPD cover you receive depends on your age and occupation category. As a Cbus Super member, you can join one of four super divisions depending on who pays your super.
Industry
For members of Industry Super, the cover you receive is based on your occupation category. This includes Manual, Non-Manual, Electech and Professional.
If you’re in the Manual occupation category, default cover will generally begin automatically once we receive an on-time compulsory super payment from your employer.
For those in the Electech, Non-Manual or Professional occupation category, default cover generally starts automatically once your account balance reaches $6,000 and you’ve turned 25. You can request for your cover to start earlier at any time or when you join online.
Read our Insurance guide (PDF) for more information on the automatic cover you can receive when you join Cbus Industry Super.
Sole Trader
If you are a sole trader and make personal super contributions, you can apply to join Sole Trader Super. Any default cover you receive automatically starts once your account balance reaches $6,000 and you’ve turned 25. You can request for your cover to start earlier when you join online.
Read our Insurance guide (PDF) for more information on the automatic cover you can receive when you join Sole Trader Super.
Personal
If you’re not working or receiving super contributions, you can apply to join Personal Super. You won’t receive any automatic cover.
Read our Insurance guide (PDF) for more information on the insurance cover available in Personal Super.
Corporate
This insurance is offered through your employer, which they set up, but you can tailor it to your preferences.
Any default cover you receive automatically will start once your account balance reaches $6,000 and you’ve turned 25. You can request for your cover to start earlier when you join.
Read our Insurance guide (PDF) for more information on the insurance cover options.
What is your occupation category?
Your occupation category below determines how much automatic TPD cover you receive and how much you pay. To change your occupation category, log into your account or complete the relevant change my insurance form.
Manual
Manual is our default occupation category for Industry members. This occupation category is if you perform manual or physical work or don’t qualify for any other occupation category.
Non-Manual
You only perform administrative, managerial or professional work, don’t perform any manual work, and spend at least 80% of your work in an office.
Electech
You are an electrical worker classified in Schedule A of the Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award 2020 or the Electrical Power Industry Award 2020.
Professional
You perform administrative, managerial or professional work, and earn over $100,000 annually (which can be pro-rated for permanent part-time workers). And you have a university qualification or are a senior or executive manager.
How is your automatic cover determined?
When you join Cbus Super, the amount of cover you might receive and what it costs depends on your age and occupation category. Your occupation category determines if you automatically get cover when you join Cbus Super, once you’re 25 or older and have a balance of $6,000.
Refer to the insurance guide for your division to understand the cover you might be eligible for and the amount of cover per unit of cover for your age.
Cost and fees
How much you pay for your cover will depend on your age and occupation category. The cost of TPD cover is taken from your super. It’s important you evaluate the benefits of having this insurance and how it might impact your retirement savings. Refer to the insurance guide for your division to understand the cost of your cover.
Change or cancel your cover
When you join Cbus Super, you can choose automatic cover or customise the cover that is right for you. Age, family circumstances and financial requirements might influence your decision.
Once you’re a member, you can apply to change your cover anytime. This includes decreasing, increasing, or cancelling your cover at any time.