Navigating Cbus TPD claims can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already dealing with a serious illness or injury. If you’re a member of Cbus Super and wondering how to access your total and permanent disability insurance, you’re not alone.
We’ve helped countless Australians who were searching for a clear Cbus TPD claims guide, providing upfront answers about typical Cbus claim processing time, eligibility requirements, and payout amounts.
So, how do Cbus TPD claims really work? How can you make sure your application isn’t delayed or rejected? In this guide, we’ll break it all down clearly, helping you understand your rights, obligations, and how Withstand Lawyers can support your journey to a successful TPD claim.
What Is Cbus Super and How Does It Handle TPD Claims?
Construction and Building Unions Superannuation (Cbus) is one of Australia’s largest industry super funds, originally established in 1984 to support workers in the construction and building industries. Today, Cbus Super manages over $70 billion in member funds and supports more than 850,000 members nationwide, many of whom are eligible for Cbus TPD claims through their superannuation-linked insurance.
In the 2020–2021 financial year alone, Cbus processed 2,477 insurance claims, paying out more than $258 million in total disability and death benefits — a strong reflection of its active insurance program and commitment to member welfare.
What Does Cbus Super Insurance Offer?
Cbus Super Insurance provides members with financial protection through three main types of cover: Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) insurance, income protection, and death cover. Understanding what each type offers — and whether you’re eligible — is essential for making a successful Cbus insurance claim.
Cbus TPD insurance offers a lump sum payout if you become unlikely to ever return to work in an occupation suited to your education, training, or experience. This definition is broader than many people realise. You may still qualify for a Cbus TPD claim even if you’re technically able to work in another field, depending on your circumstances.
Eligibility factors may include:
Whether you were employed at the time of your illness or injury
If you ceased work due to your medical condition
The specific terms of your Cbus insurance policy
Our experienced TPD lawyers work closely with Cbus to request your exact insurance policy, assess your circumstances, and provide a clear legal opinion on your eligibility to lodge a Cbus TPD claim.
Cbus income protection insurance offers monthly income payments if you’re temporarily unable to work due to illness or injury. This cover is designed to support your ongoing living expenses during your recovery period.
Cbus death cover provides a lump sum benefit to your beneficiaries if you pass away or are diagnosed with a terminal illness. It ensures your loved ones are financially protected during difficult times.
Cbus TPD Insurance Eligibility Criteria
To make a successful TPD claim with Cbus Super, you must meet several important eligibility requirements. First and foremost, you need to have been an active Cbus Super member with valid TPD insurance cover at the time of your disablement or the last date you worked.
In addition to having an active policy, your situation must satisfy the specific TPD definitions, terms, and conditions outlined in your insurance policy. These vary depending on your occupation category and the date your cover began.
Our team can review your TPD policy and advise you on your eligility. Contact us today for a free claim assessment for personalised advice regarding your claim.
General Eligibility Criteria for a Cbus TPD Claim
A key general requirement is that you must be unable to work due to illness or injury for at least three consecutive months before lodging your TPD claim. However, if you are diagnosed with a specified medical condition, assessed and confirmed by a qualified medical practitioner, the insurer may waive this waiting period and proceed with the assessment immediately.
It’s important to understand that Cbus TPD eligibility is not one-size-fits-all. Your medical history, employment status, and type of insurance cover all play a role. Some medical conditions may exclude you from eligibility, while others may qualify you for immediate assessment.
That’s why we strongly recommend speaking with our experienced TPD lawyers. We can help you:
Confirm whether your Cbus TPD cover was active
Interpret your specific policy terms
Determine your eligibility and legal options
How to Make a Cbus Super Claim for TPD, Income Protection or Death Benefits
If you’re a Cbus Super member and unable to work due to illness, injury, or other serious circumstances, you may be eligible to make a Cbus TPD claim, income protection claim, or access Cbus death benefits. Knowing how to lodge a successful Cbus superannuation claim starts with understanding your policy and preparing the right evidence.
Step-by-Step Process to Make a Cbus TPD Claim
Check Your Eligibility
First, determine if your case meets the eligibility criteria outlined in your Cbus insurance policy. This includes confirming whether your cover was active at the time of injury or illness and whether your medical condition meets the insurer’s definition of TPD.Gather Supporting Evidence
Building a strong claim relies heavily on documentation. You’ll generally need to provide:Medical reports from your treating doctors
Test results and diagnostic imaging
Identification documents (e.g., passport or certified driver’s licence)
Education, training, and work history evidence
Employment termination documents
Financial evidence, such as payslips, group certificates, or tax returns
This evidence is essential to show both your employment situation and the impact of your medical condition in line with your Cbus TPD policy terms.
Lodge Your Claim
Once your documentation is complete, your TPD claim is submitted to the insurer. The insurer will then assess the claim and may:Accept the claim
Defer the decision, requesting further information
Decline the claim
Making a clear, well-supported claim from the beginning can significantly reduce delays and improve your chances of success.
Need help lodging a Cbus Super claim? Our experienced TPD and superannuation lawyers offer a free claim assessment and can guide you through the entire process and maximise your claim. Contact us today.
What Happens After You Lodge a Cbus TPD Claim?
Once your Cbus TPD claim is submitted, the insurer will assess your application and issue one of three outcomes: accepted, deferred, or declined. Here’s what each decision means for you:
TPD Claim Accepted by Cbus
If your TPD claim is accepted, you will receive a formal letter outlining:
The terms of acceptance
Applicable taxes
Your options for receiving the payment
You can choose from the following payout methods:
Receive the full TPD benefit directly into your bank account
Retain some or all of the payment in your Cbus superannuation account
Transfer the payment to a Cbus Super Income Stream account or another complying super fund
Our TPD lawyers can help you understand which option best suits your financial and legal situation.
TPD Claim Deferred by Cbus
A deferred Cbus TPD claim means the insurer needs more time to assess whether your condition qualifies as a total and permanent disability. This may happen if:
You are scheduled for further medical treatment or surgery
Your treating doctor believes your condition may improve over time
Your recovery timeline is uncertain
The insurer will reassess your claim once the deferral period ends or new medical evidence is provided.
TPD Claim Declined by Cbus
If your Cbus super claim is declined, you’ll receive a written explanation outlining the reasons. Common reasons include:
Insufficient medical evidence
Not meeting the policy’s definition of TPD
Lapses in insurance cover
Even if your claim is denied, you have the right to challenge the decision. We strongly recommend contacting our experienced TPD lawyers for a detailed review of your case. We provide a free claim assessment and can advise you on the best legal pathway forward after having your claim denied. Contact today to see how we can help.
Cbus Claim Processing Time – How Long Does a TPD Claim Take?
One of the most common questions from members is: “How long does a Cbus TPD claim take?” While there’s no strict legal deadline that insurers, including Cbus Super, must follow for processing superannuation TPD claims, there are general timeframes you can expect.
Typically, once a Cbus TPD claim is successfully lodged with all supporting documentation, the insurer aims to make a decision within 12 months. However, several factors can influence this timeline, including:
The complexity of your medical condition
The need for additional evidence or medical reports
Delays from employers, doctors, or other third parties
Whether your claim is accepted, deferred, or declined
To avoid unnecessary delays, it’s essential to submit a complete and well-supported claim from the start. Our experienced TPD lawyers can help you prepare your Cbus claim thoroughly and push for timely outcomes.
Issa Rabaya
• Bachelor of Laws
• Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice
• Approved Legal Service Provider to the Independent Review Office
• Member of the Law Society
Issa Rabaya
• Bachelor of Laws
• Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice
• Approved Legal Service Provider to the Independent Review Office
• Member of the Law Society
