Disclaimer – This article is for general information and education only. It does not constitute financial or legal advice. Each TPD claim is different and will depend on the wording of your policy, your employment history, and your medical evidence. If you are unsure whether you need to tell your employer about your claim, speak with a superannuation or insurance-claims lawyer first.
Making a Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) claim is confronting enough without worrying about awkward employer questions. Submitting medical records to strangers is hard enough — let alone reliving your work history through endless insurer queries.
One of the most common questions we hear is:
“Do I need to tell my employer that I’m making a TPD claim?”
The short answer: it depends. Most TPD claims require information from your employer at some stage, but there is no legal obligation to notify your employer before lodging a claim.
This guide explains:
- Why employers are usually involved in the TPD claim process,
- The pros and cons of telling your employer early,
- What evidence employers typically supply, and
- How to manage employer relationships during your claim.
Why Employers Are Usually Involved in TPD Claims
It may feel odd that your employer plays a role in an insurance claim when your TPD policy is attached to your super fund or bought directly through an insurer. But insurers nearly always request input from your employer.
Common employer inputs include:
- Employment records – job title, duties, hours, and employment periods.
- Statements of incapacity – forms describing how your condition has affected your work.
- Payroll/tax information – confirming your income, hours worked, and leave records.
Why does this matter?
Insurers use employer records to:
- Verify your date of disablement (the last day you worked),
- Assess if you meet your policy’s definition of TPD (own occupation vs any occupation), and
- Confirm you were insured at the relevant time.
Do I Have To Tell My Employer?
- Before lodging a claim: No. You can lodge your TPD claim with your super fund or insurer without informing your employer.
- Eventually: Yes. Your insurer/fund will almost always request employer evidence at some stage.
In practice, while you don’t need to disclose early, your employer is likely to become involved later.
The Pros and Cons of Telling Your Employer Early
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Transparency maintains open communication. | You may not want your employer to know about your health until necessary. |
| Speeds up evidence gathering (records can be prepared early). | In some workplaces, disclosure could strain relationships. |
| Some employers are supportive and help with paperwork. | There is no legal requirement to notify them upfront. |
Worked Examples
Example 1 – Supportive Employer
Sarah, a nurse, told her hospital HR team about her claim upfront. They quickly supplied her records, and her claim was processed without unnecessary stress.
Example 2 – Employer Pushback
John, a factory worker, only told his employer when the insurer requested forms. His employer delayed providing records until legal pressure compelled them.
Example 3 – Privacy First
Lisa, an accountant, chose not to disclose her claim until required. This allowed her to keep medical information private from her employer for as long as possible.
Common Pitfalls
- Assuming you can avoid employer evidence entirely – insurers almost always require it.
- Delaying your claim out of fear of employer involvement.
- Expecting employers to prepare claims paperwork for you – it’s not their responsibility.
- Disclosing too much too soon – your employer doesn’t need medical details upfront.
Fast-Track 7-Step Checklist: Employer Involvement in TPD Claims
| Action | Why It Matters | Who to Ask |
|---|---|---|
| Start your claim with the fund | Employer input not needed at the very start. | Super fund/insurer |
| Expect employer forms later | Insurers usually request employment records. | Employer HR/payroll |
| Control your disclosure | Only provide necessary information. | Lawyer/adviser |
| Prepare for delays | Employers can be slow to respond. | Lawyer can chase |
| Keep medical evidence separate | Employers don’t need detailed medical records. | Insurer only |
| Seek legal advice early | Helps if employer is uncooperative. | Super/insurance lawyer |
FAQs
Do I have to tell my employer before I lodge a claim?
No. You can start your claim without notifying your employer.
Will my employer eventually find out?
Yes. Insurers almost always need employer records.
What if my employer refuses to provide records?
They are legally obliged. A lawyer or fund can compel them to comply.
Can my employer stop my claim?
No. Employers cannot decide claim outcomes; they only supply evidence.
Do I have to share my medical details with my employer?
No. Medical records usually go directly to the insurer.
Key Takeaways
- You are not legally required to tell your employer before lodging a TPD claim.
- Insurers almost always involve employers eventually for records.
- Whether to disclose early depends on your relationship and privacy concerns.
- Employers can’t stop your claim but may delay it if unhelpful.
- Legal support helps if an employer drags their feet or refuses to cooperate.
Whether to tell your employer about your TPD claim is a personal decision. While you don’t need to notify them at the start, insurers will typically involve employers later in the process.
At TPD Claims Lawyers, we help clients manage employer interactions, protect their privacy, and keep claims moving. If you’re unsure how to handle employer involvement in your TPD claim, contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Last updated: 4 September 2025