WorkCover and TPD, Can you claim both at the same time?
Published on Posted onIf you’re unable to work due to an injury or illness there are a number of compensation options available to you depending on how the injury or illness came about.
When talking about a work-related injury, some of the most common compensation options include:
Did you know that it’s possible to claim on more than just one of these at the same time?
For example, you may be eligible to receive both workers’ compensation statutory benefits as well as total and permanent disability insurance.
What is the difference between TPD and WorkCover?
Both insurances can provide financial assistance to individuals who are unable to work due to injury or illness, but there are some key differences.
First, workers’ compensation benefits are provided to individuals who are unable to work due to a work-related injury or illness. TPD benefits are provided to individuals who are unable to work regardless of how the injury happened.
Second, workers’ compensation is provided through a state-run WorkCover program. TPD benefits are typically provided through an insurance policy in your superannuation fund.
Third, WorkCover statutory benefits are intended to cover medical expenses and a portion of lost wages, while TPD benefits are typically provided as a lump sum payment.
The application process and the criteria that need to be met for each are also different.
Can I claim both TPD and WorkCover at the same time?
If you meet the criteria for a TPD claim and a WorkCover claim, it is possible to receive payments from both sources at the same time.
Your TPD insurance is generally not conditional on you only receiving compensation from only one method.
However, it’s important to note that the amount of financial assistance you receive from WorkCover may be affected by other income or benefits you’re receiving, including income protection payments.
For example, the amount of statutory compensation you get from WorkCover may be reduced if you also receive payments from an income protection policy, as this is seen as double dipping.
Your individual policy will give you this information.
Read more about what you need to know about declaring income to insurers and Centrelink.
Can I claim on more than one TPD policy?
Sometimes you may also have more than one superannuation fund and therefore more than one TPD insurance policy.
If this is the case, just like with workers’ compensation, you can potentially claim on both of those policies at the same time.
The same goes for if you hold any other insurance in your superannuation such as income protection.
The way in which these types of insurance interact with each other can be complex, so it’s important to review the terms of your policies and seek legal advice in you are unsure of your rights.
Additional helpful resources from Zaparas Lawyers
- Things to know about making a WorkCover claim in Victoria
- Things you should know about WorkCover claims in Queensland
- Understanding TPD insurance through your superannuation
- Six things you may not have known about TPD insurance claims
If you are from Queensland you can learn more on our Queensland Superannuation Page
