For people with a chronic health condition - especially those with kidney disease

Do you need support or assistance?  

Many people don't know they can claim disability benefits from their Super or Insurance. Our recently updated fact sheets available for download below, may help answer your questions. You may also be assisted with info from the Medicare - Your Health website. 

Early access to preserved superannuation

You can arrange early access to your preserved superannuation in some circumstances, for example if:

• you have been on Centrelink payments for at least six months and can't pay your living expenses (you can get up to $10,000 per annum)
• you're over the retirement age (55-60), have been on Centrelink payments for nine months and aren't working (you can get all your super)
• you need money to pay for palliative care, funeral expenses, modifications to your home or car, or medical and transport expenses for treatment outside the public health system for you or a dependant
• for loan repayments to prevent the sale of your home (up to three months repayments plus 12 months interest every 12 months)
• you are permanently incapacitated for work (you can get all of your Super)
• the preserved amount is up to $200.00, or
• you are a temporary resident and permanently leave Australia (you can get all of your Super).

What are superannuation disability benefits?

Most superannuation policies include disability benefits, but not all. Superannuation disability benefits are total and permanent disability (TPD) lump sums or disability pensions or both. They are usually insurance benefits that 'top up' the contributions in your fund if you have to stop work.

Total and permanent disability benefits

To get a TPD lump sum, you have to show you can not return to your usual job, or any other suitable work that fits your education, training or experience. You don't have to be unfit for any work at all. For example, if you have only ever done manual work and can't do that type of work now, it won't matter if the doctors say you could do office work. If you lose the use of your arms, legs or eyes, you may qualify for a TPD benefit even if you can still work.

There is usually a six month qualifying period, but this can be reduced in some cases. Many people with disability will qualify for a TPD benefit, as will many people on disability support pensions.

It's important to get advice from experts

Disability claims can be complicated and take a long time, but it's important that you find out about your rights. There are also time limits for appeals to the courts. It's important to get help from an experienced lawyer before making a claim or appeal.

Call 1800 810 812 - Maurice Blackburn Lawyers - for free Super and Insurance Advice Service for people with kidney disease and others with chronic conditions. Refer to Fact Sheets below or check their website at www.mauriceblackburn.com.au 

The fact sheets below are only a general guide to legal, superannuation and financial issues and is not a substitute for professional advice in these areas.

Kidney Health Australia gratefully acknowledges the valuable contribution of John Berrill, Maurice Blackburn Lawyers, in the development of this information.

For your consideration the Commonwealth Government have published this information booklet as a guide for private patients in an Australian Hospital - Know your rights as a private patient in Hospital.