INCOME PROTECTION INSURANCE — NO WIN, NO FEE
Can't work right now? Your income protection insurance could pay up to 85% of your salary monthly
If illness or injury has temporarily or permanently stopped you from working, your super fund's income protection insurance policy may owe you monthly benefits right now. Most Australians never claim what they're owed.
Monthly payments, not a lump sum
Approved within weeks
$0 upfront
85%
Max monthly income replacement
$0
Upfront cost to you
Weeks
Typical time to first payment
2 yrs+
Benefit period (up to age 65)
85% of Income
Maximum monthly replacement benefit
Weeks
Typical time to first approved payment
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No Win
No Fee — zero upfront costs
WHAT IS INCOME PROTECTION?
Monthly income replacement, even when you can't work
Income protection insurance (also known as salary protection insurance or salary continuance insurance) replaces up to 85% of your salary when illness or injury prevents you from working. Most Australians have this cover embedded in their superannuation fund, often without knowing it.
Unlike TPD (which is a one-off lump sum for permanent disability), income protection pays monthly for a defined benefit period ranging from 2 years to age 65, starting after your waiting period expires. Claiming income protection through superannuation follows different rules to a standalone policy, and Better Claim handles both.
Covers temporary and long-term inability to work
Monthly benefit paid directly to your bank account
Both physical and mental health conditions are covered
Benefit period from 2 years up to age 65
Denied claims can be appealed and overturned
Claimable through your superannuation fund or a standalone policy
Income protection insurance at a glance
Based on typical super-linked IP policies.
Monthly income replacement
Waiting period
Benefit period
Covers
Payout frequency
Upfront cost
Up to 85%
30–90 days
2 years to age 65
Physical + Mental health
Monthly
$0
POLICY TERMS EXPLAINED
Waiting periods & benefit periods — what they mean for you
Two key terms you'll encounter in every income protection policy.
Waiting Period
The waiting period is the time between your first day of being unable to work and when your monthly benefit payments begin. Most policies have a waiting period of 30, 60, or 90 days. This means you must be off work for at least this long before payments commence. Our team identifies your policy's exact waiting period upfront so there are no surprises.
Benefit Period
The benefit period is how long your monthly payments will continue once approved. Most super-linked income protection policies offer benefit periods of 2 years or 5 years. Some extend to age 65. Knowing your benefit period helps us calculate your total entitlement and ensures you claim the full amount you're owed.
THE PROCESS
How we handle your income protection claim
From first call to first payment, our team manages everything.
1
Free eligibility review
We review your superannuation fund policy and your medical situation at no cost. We confirm your waiting and benefit periods, monthly benefit amount, and eligibility, before we do anything else.
2
Medical evidence collection
We coordinate directly with your GP, specialists, and treating practitioners to gather the medical certificates, reports, and supporting documentation your insurer requires.
3
Claim lodgement
We prepare and submit your complete income protection claim to your super fund and insurer, ensuring the correct forms and all required attachments are included from day one.
4
Ongoing management & follow-up
Income protection claims require ongoing management: regular medical certificates, follow-up with the insurer, and continued reviews. We handle all of this so you can focus on recovery.
5
Monthly payments commence
Once your claim is approved, you'll receive monthly benefit payments directly to your bank account for the duration of your benefit period or until you return to work, whichever comes first.
COVERED CONDITIONS
Physical and psychological conditions: we handle both
If your condition is stopping you from working, it's worth checking.
This list is not exhaustive.
Mental Health
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Depression
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Anxiety
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PTSD
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Burnout
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Bipolar
-
Schizophrenia
Cancer
-
All Types
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Chemotherapy recovery
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Surgery recovery
Musculoskeletal
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Back Injury
-
Spinal Issues
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Arthritis
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Chronic Pain
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Fibromyalgia
Neurological
-
Multiple Sclerosis
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Parkinson's
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Epilepsy
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TBI
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MND
Cardiovascular
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Heart Attack
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Stroke
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Heart Failure
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Angina
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Hypertension
Other
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Diabetes
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Fatigue disorders
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Autoimmune
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Kidney Disease
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Lupus
FAQ
Income protection questions, answered
The questions we hear most about income protection claims.
How is my monthly income protection benefit calculated?
Your monthly benefit is typically up to 85% of your pre-disability income for the first 12 months. After that, some policies reduce to 75%. The exact calculation depends on your policy's definition of income, your pre-disability earnings, and whether any offsets apply (such as Centrelink payments).
What is the waiting period and how does it work
The waiting period is the time you must be continuously unable to work before your monthly payments begin. Common waiting periods are 30, 60, or 90 days. We verify your exact waiting period from day one so you know when to expect your first payment.
Can I claim income protection if I'm self-employed or casual?
Yes, in many cases. Self-employed workers, sole traders, and casual employees who hold superannuation may have income protection cover through their fund. Self employed income protection claims are assessed differently. Your benefit is calculated using income averaging across your most recent tax years. We confirm your eligibility and manage the full claim at no upfront cost.
Will my IP benefits affect my Centrelink payments?
Income protection benefits are treated as income by Centrelink and may reduce your DSP or JobSeeker payments. We advise on this before you proceed so you understand the full financial picture. Some policies also have offset provisions.
What if my income protection claim was rejected?
A rejected IP claim can be appealed. We review the insurer's grounds for denial, gather additional evidence, and lodge an internal appeal. If that's unsuccessful, we can escalate to AFCA. Many claims that are initially denied are successfully overturned.
Are income protection benefits taxable?
Yes. Income protection benefit payments are generally taxable at your marginal rate, unlike TPD lump sums. This is worth factoring into your financial planning. We'll advise on the tax implications for your specific situation.
What is salary protection insurance, and is it the same as income protection?
Yes. Salary protection insurance, salary continuance insurance, and income protection insurance are all names for the same type of cover. Each replaces your income when you cannot work due to illness or injury. In Australia, this cover is most commonly held inside your superannuation fund as a default benefit, often without you knowing it exists.
How do I claim income protection through my superannuation fund?
Claiming income protection through superannuation starts with confirming your fund holds an active policy in your name. Your fund's insurer then requires a completed claim form, a certified copy of government-issued photo ID, a treating doctor's certificate, and supporting medical records. Better Claim manages every step, from locating your cover to lodging the claim and following up with the insurer until your first monthly payment is received.