What is the meaning of incapacitated?
Permanent incapacity is when someone develops a permanent medical condition or injury that means they can't work in their usual job anymore.
The ATO sometimes calls this a disability superannuation benefit.
If you meet all the eligibility conditions, it's one of the ways you can withdraw your super or turn it into a pension before retiring or reaching a certain age.
Eligibility requirements
You can withdraw your super for permanent incapacity if:
You have a permanent medical condition (physical or mental) that's likely to stop you from ever working again, in a job you were educated, qualified, or experienced at doing and
At least 2 medical practitioners sign off on your form to get your super.
Do you have TPD insurance?
If you have insurance in your super account with us, you might also be able to make a total and permanent disability (TPD) claim.
TPD cover provides a benefit on top of, not instead of, your superannuation balance for permanent incapacity.
Log in to our app or Member Online to check whether you have TPD or TPD Assist cover and make a claim.
What if it's just temporary incapacity, not permanent disability?
When a health condition, illness or injury stops you working temporarily, you can't claim your super for permanent disability.
But it's still worth getting in touch with us, because you might be able to claim some of your super to pay for medical treatment on compassionate grounds.
And if you have insurance on your account, you might be able to make an income protection claim instead.
How to claim super under permanent incapacity
Before you apply
Check how this will affect your disability pension from Centrelink.
Permanent incapacity form
Fill in our permanent incapacity form with the details of your super with us.
Other documentation to send
Send us this form, plus a certified copy of your identification document (ID), and a copy of your resume, and the medical certificates. You need doctors to confirm you’re not likely to be able to work in a job you’re reasonably qualified for, because of the physical or mental condition. One of these doctors must be a specialist in your illness or injury.
If it's approved
You can take out some or all of your super as either a lump sum (one big withdrawal), or by opening an Income account for regular payments (an income stream).
Other options if it’s not approved
Get in touch to see if you can claim your superannuation balance or make an insurance claim for TPD, terminal illness, or medical treatment (compassionate grounds).
How much money can you get?
If your permanent incapacity claim is approved, you can take out some or all of your superannuation account balance with us.
If you have insurance cover and your total and permanent disability insurance claim is also approved, you can get support payments for up to 6 years, or a lump sum. Look up the standard and maximum benefit amounts in the Super Savings Insurance Guide or log in to Member Online to see how much cover you have.
FAQs about permanent disability
If you need any help to process your early access claim, please get in touch so we can help you figure out your next steps.
