Superannuation, TPD and Stroke

Hi Phil,

I’m sorry to hear about your Stroke.

Every provider has a different process when it comes to claiming on personal risk insurance.

We would recommend that you make contact with your super fund to discuss your circumstances, the requirements that need to be met to make a claim on your TPD insurance, and the claim process.   In addition, please check with your provider if you hold any other forms of personal risk insurance, such as Salary Continuance, which you may be able to claim on.

If you would like any more information or support, please do not hesitate to contact us on StrokeLine at 1800 787 653 or email us at strokeline@strokefoundation.org.au. We are available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm AEST. 

Kind regards,

StrokeLine team

I made a successful claim with mine. I have homonymous hemianopia and can no longer drive. I was with Vic Super (now Aware). My understanding is that if your condition impedes your ability to earn an income, then you have the basis for a claim. I was only working part time prior to my stroke, but that had no bearing on the claim assessment. One of the important forms was a Certificate of Medical Attendant form, to be filled out by one of your doctors. Some of the questions were "Do you consider the patient totally and continuously incapable of working in their usual occupation?" and "In your opinion is the patient unlikely, because of ill health (whether physical or mental), to ever engage in gainful employment for which they are reasonably qualified by education training and experience? For the purpose of this definition 'it is accepted that the gainful employment should be part-time or full time i.e. more than 10 hours per week"

I don't know if this form is standard across all super funds, but you get the idea that if you are no longer capable of working in your usual occupation in a meaningful way, then you shold be eligble for a claim.

Hi Phil, Stroke Line response is a good one. Every Super Fund is different - please check T&Cs). Also, I understand that there might not be a payout if your employer finds you a similar role (same/less pay). 

By way of background, I left the workforce after trying to get back and was able to make a successful TPD/Super claim. Two medical reports were required (GP and my Neurosurgeon). I guess, the level of disability is relevant as well. Mine is partial short-term memory loss, so, high-level and intense work environment is not a good place for me.

From my experience, it is helpful to plan (if one can) what to do when one leaves the workforce. The most important part is the financial aspect of life (mortgage, other debt, living expenses, kids, etc.). It took me some time to get used to not working, but as time goes by, new interests do emerge! Take care!

Sorry, forgot to mention that Colin's feedback is also useful.

On another note, before returning to work (after 2 years), I did some volunteer work at the Eye&Ear Hospital on the Park in Melbourne, which helped my recovery as well (after Rehab). Firstly, I went to a local volunteer fair and made enquiries. That's where I found volunteering at the Royal Eye & Ear Hospital (Melbourne) and found out about my local Stroke Hub. Much later, through a friend, I met the lovely people at the 'Stroke Accord' (I think) choir (stroke survivors affected by Aphasia).

There are options, it does require a bit of effort (e.g. anxiety, do I have to talk about my disability, etc.)

Hi Phil, forgot to mention that I also sought legal advice as to force to stay at work. Should I say that I was lucky that the lawyer was a family friend, and she asked me two important Qs:

1) Michael, do you want to stay with your employer? If yes, I'm happy to fight them, and

2) Michael, if I get you back, would you be actually happy to go back there?

So, I had to be honest and admit that I did not want to go back as my mental health would go down the drain. From a financial aspect, by leaving, I was worst off but was lucky enough that I had the support of my wife (with her own health issues) and the kids were independent. Every case seems to be different. Take care!

Well they paid out early so you must have a disability , restarting super is a good idea and gives you something to retire on , even if it is a small payout . At least you can get back to work .It's still a long road to full recovery , you have shown what most normal people are scared off .

This is a very interesting topic and thank you for bringing it up. Initially when I had my stroke, the question was asked to my insurance/superannuation provider, what access to funds would look like. The advice we got (now remember, I was a little preoccupied in trying to survive at the time), is that I would more than likely return to work and therefore it is not worthwhile putting in a claim, however, eight years on, the likelihood of returning back to work is very slim at best. So I am thinking I need to open up this can of worms again. As we may know, insurance and TPPD cancel two years after employment stops, so it looks like I need to do a bit of digging. Fun times ahead.