Have you ever wondered if you can make multiple claims for total and permanent disability (TPD) through your superannuation funds? The answer is yes, it is possible to have multiple TPD policies and make claims through each of them. This is often referred to as “double dipping”.
Double dipping means making multiple claims for TPD through multiple superannuation funds or in addition to other personal injury claims through workers compensation, public liability, or motor vehicle compulsory third party (CTP) insurance. In other words, if you have TPD coverage through more than one super fund, you can make a claim through each of them, thereby increasing your chances of receiving the maximum possible benefits.
Making multiple claims for TPD through different super funds is possible because each fund operates independently and has its own TPD policy and eligibility criteria. As a result, each fund may have a different definition of TPD and may offer different benefits and amounts.
However, before making multiple claims, it is important to consider the following factors:
- TPD definition: Each super fund has its own definition of TPD, and it may vary significantly from one fund to another. It is crucial to understand the definition of TPD and the criteria for making a claim through each of your super funds.
- Limitations and exclusions: Each TPD policy comes with limitations and exclusions that may impact the amount and type of benefits you can receive. For instance, some policies may exclude certain types of disabilities or may have time limitations for making a claim.
- Coordination of benefits: When making multiple claims, it is important to ensure that you employ a strategy that won’t adversely affect your other claims. For example, in rare circumstances, claiming TPD through one superannuation fund might exclude you from being able to claim on another. The order by which you make the multiple claims can be critical. Another issue to consider is that each insurer will try to deny your claim by attempting to obtain medical evidence that might work against you. Timing your TPD applications is crucial to limit the prospect of inadvertently having medical evidence created by the insurer that could derail your other claims for personal injury.
Double dipping is a useful strategy for maximising the compensation payable to you following an accident or injury. However, it is important to understand the TPD definitions, limitations, exclusions, and strategic coordination of benefits before making multiple claims.
Why Multiple Super Funds Are Less Common Today
It is worth noting that having multiple superannuation funds (and therefore multiple TPD policies) is becoming increasingly rare. Following changes introduced by the Australian Government under the ‘Protecting Your Super’ reforms, super funds are now required to cancel insurance cover on accounts that have been inactive for 16 months or more (where no contributions or rollovers have been received).
The ‘Putting Members’ Interests First’ legislation also restricts insurance from being automatically provided on low-balance accounts and to members under 25. As a result, many Australians who once held insurance across several super funds may now find that cover has lapsed without their knowledge.
If you suspect you may have had multiple TPD policies in the past, it is important to investigate your historical super fund accounts carefully, as you may still have entitlements available even on accounts you no longer actively contribute to.
Before attempting to make multiple TPD claims, it would be wise to first consult a legal expert, such as one of the lawyers at Roche Legal, to ensure that you make the right decisions to maximise your entitlements.