Many Australians have multiple superannuation accounts — often without realising it. If you have TPD insurance in more than one super fund, you may be entitled to claim on all of them. This guide explains how multiple super fund TPD claims work, what the rules are, and what you need to know before making a claim.
Yes — You Can Claim TPD from Multiple Super Funds
Each TPD insurance policy is a separate contract. The fact that you have received a payout from one super fund does not automatically mean you cannot claim on another. Each fund and insurer will assess your claim independently, applying their own policy definitions of total and permanent disability.
This means that if you have TPD cover in two, three, or even more super funds at the time you became disabled, you have the right to lodge a claim under each of those policies.
How to Find Out If You Have Multiple Super Accounts
It is surprisingly common for Australians to lose track of super accounts — especially if they changed jobs over the years. There are several ways to locate all your super accounts:
You can search for lost or forgotten super through your myGov account, linked to the Australian Taxation Office. The ATO keeps records of all reported super contributions and can help you identify funds you may have forgotten. Alternatively, you can ask a TPD lawyer to search on your behalf.
Do Each Fund’s TPD Definitions Have to Be Met?
Yes. Each super fund will apply its own policy definition of total and permanent disablement when assessing your claim. The most common definitions are “own occupation” (unable to perform your specific occupation) and “any occupation” (unable to perform any work for which you are reasonably suited by education, training, or experience).
Just because you meet the definition under one fund’s policy does not guarantee the second fund will also approve your claim — especially if the two funds use different TPD definitions. However, in practice, if you have already been approved by one insurer, the approval strengthens your case when lodging with other funds.
What to Do If One Fund Approves and Another Rejects
It is possible for one fund to approve your TPD claim and another to reject it — even for the same condition. If this happens, you still have options. You can:
Lodge an internal appeal with the fund that rejected your claim, requesting a review of their decision. If the internal appeal is unsuccessful, you can lodge a complaint with the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), which provides a free external dispute resolution service. If AFCA cannot resolve the dispute, you may be able to take the matter to court.
A TPD claims lawyer can help you navigate this process and significantly improve your chances of success on appeal.
Does a Previous TPD Payout Affect Your Ability to Claim on Another Fund?
Generally, no. A payout from one super fund does not prevent you from claiming on a separate policy. Each policy is independent. The only exception would be if the funds were somehow linked (for example, if they were held with the same insurer and the policy documents explicitly stated a cross-policy offset provision).
However, it is important to review the specific terms and conditions of each policy, as some older policies may contain exclusions or offset clauses. A TPD lawyer can review your policies and advise you on your entitlements.
Time Limits: Don’t Delay
There are strict time limits that apply to TPD claims — and these apply to every fund individually. In most cases, the relevant limitation period is six years from the date the insurer refuses your claim (under the Insurance Contracts Act). However, there can also be notification requirements within the policy itself, so it is important to lodge claims promptly.
If you are unsure whether a time limit may have passed for any of your super funds, speak with a TPD lawyer as soon as possible. Once your claim is approved, you can read about how long it takes to get paid after a TPD approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I claim TPD from two super funds at the same time?
Yes. You can lodge TPD claims with multiple super funds simultaneously. There is no rule preventing you from claiming on more than one policy at the same time, provided you meet each fund’s TPD definition.
Will getting one TPD payout affect my other claims?
Generally no, because each policy is a separate contract. However, some policies may contain offset clauses, so always check your policy documents or speak to a lawyer to confirm your position.
What if I didn’t know I had multiple super accounts?
Many people discover forgotten super accounts after lodging their first claim. You can search for all your super accounts through myGov or ask a TPD lawyer to conduct a super search on your behalf. Even old accounts with small balances may have active insurance attached.
How do I find out how much TPD cover I have in each fund?
You can check by logging into your super fund account online, reviewing your annual super statement, or calling each fund directly. Your super fund is required by law to tell you what insurance cover you hold and the sum insured amount.
Get Help With Your TPD Claims
Claiming across multiple super funds can be complex, especially if each fund has different policy definitions or if one fund is rejecting your claim. Once your claims are approved, read our guide on what happens after your TPD claim is approved. Our experienced TPD lawyers can identify all your super accounts, assess each policy, and manage the entire claims process for you — on a No Win, No Fee basis. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation.
Last updated: 18 June 2026