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You can expect your claim for disability benefits to be finalised within 40 working days subject to medical reports being obtained.
When we have received the required forms and supporting documentation, including an employer report and the medical report from your treating doctor or specialist, you will be asked to attend at least two medical examinations arranged through our nominated rehabilitation provider. You may also have to undergo a vocational assessment to assess your suitability for employment.
After receiving the reports from these examinations, we will assess your application.
You will be eligible to retire on the grounds of disability if it is determined that you:
- cannot perform your current duties; and
- cannot perform any other duties for which you are suited by education, training or experience or for which you would be suited as a result of retraining.
We will advise you and your employer in writing of our decision
Working while receiving a disability benefit
As a disability pensioner, you are encouraged to seek outside employment within your capability. You must inform us of any employment and the income received as soon as possible after you have accepted the position offered.
If you are gainfully employed this may impact on the benefit paid. We may therefore seek information to determine whether you are gainfully employed, e.g. taxation returns and payslips, to substantiate your income. Investment earnings from property and shares are generally not considered as income from gainful employment.
After the review we may:
- continue the pension at the same rate
- reduce the pension
- suspend the pension, or
- increase a reduced pension.
If you earn an income from gainful employment a review will be conducted every 12 months to ascertain whether your income level affects the rate of your disability pension. Gainful employment checks cease at age 60.
Terminal medical conditions
The Commonwealth Government introduced new regulations which allow members who are suffering a terminal medical condition to apply for their superannuation as a tax-free lump sum. Under the law, a terminal medical condition exists if two medical practitioners (one of whom is a relevant specialist) have certified that the person has an illness or injury with a life expectancy of 12 months or less.
Please contact us on 1300 655 476 for further information.
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