Who insures TPD at Australian Retirement Trust (ART)?

Australian Retirement Trust (ART)'s default group insurance is currently underwritten by AIA Australia Limited. Some legacy QSuper Defined Benefit members have insurance arrangements within the DB structure rather than through the Accumulation group policy. The trustee makes the final decision on each claim.

I was a Sunsuper member before the merger — does my old policy still apply?

ART was formed by the 2022 merger of Sunsuper and QSuper. Members were transitioned to the new fund structure but the policy in force at the time you stopped work is what determines your claim — including legacy Sunsuper terms for older claim events. If you stopped work before the merger, the original Sunsuper policy applies; after, ART's current arrangements apply.

Are former QSuper Defined Benefit members entitled to a different TPD benefit?

Yes — legacy QSuper DB members had access to disablement benefits within the DB rules that calculated benefits on years of service and final salary, distinct from standard Accumulation TPD. These DB arrangements continue post-merger for affected members. The benefit calculation is often more generous and worth distinguishing from any Accumulation TPD that applies.

Are Queensland public sector workers covered by ART?

Most Queensland public sector workers' super was previously administered by QSuper, which became part of ART. Queensland Police, Queensland Health, and other state government employees typically had their default insurance through QSuper and now ART. Specific TPD coverage and any legacy DB benefits depend on the date of employment and division.

Australian Retirement Trust (ART) TPD Claim: Eligibility, Payouts, and the Claim Process

Default cover and insurer

Australian Retirement Trust is one of Australia's largest super funds, formed by the 2022 merger of Sunsuper and QSuper. Members typically receive Death and TPD cover automatically (subject to PYS / PMIF eligibility rules), with cover scaled by age. Default group cover is currently underwritten by AIA Australia Limited.

Indicative default cover amounts for Accumulation members (always check your Annual Statement for actuals):

Age	Indicative default TPD cover
30	$100,000 – $180,000
40	$140,000 – $230,000
50	$110,000 – $180,000
60	$50,000 – $90,000

Legacy Sunsuper vs QSuper status — why it matters

ART preserves separate arrangements for members of each pre-merger fund. Practical implications:

Pre-merger date of disablement — the policy in force at that date applies. Legacy Sunsuper or legacy QSuper terms govern the claim, not ART's current arrangements.
Defined Benefit members — predominantly legacy QSuper members in Queensland public sector roles. DB disablement benefits use service and salary calculation, often producing higher payouts than Accumulation TPD.
Pre-merger insurer changes — Sunsuper and QSuper had different insurers before the merger. The insurer on the policy at the date you stopped work is the one assessing your claim.

The TPD definition that applies to you

Standard ART Accumulation TPD uses an "Any Occupation" definition: unable to ever work again in any job for which you are reasonably suited by education, training or experience. Legacy QSuper DB members may be assessed under separate DB disablement provisions with different definitions.

How to claim

Notify ART of intent to claim through the member portal or by phone
Receive and complete the claim pack — member statement, employer statement, treating-doctor reports, authorities
AIA Australia Limited (or the trustee, for DB) assesses against the relevant definition
The ART trustee independently reviews and decides
Approved claims pay out subject to condition of release; DB benefits may take a different form

If your claim is declined

Common reasons ART TPD claims are declined:

Insurer's view that you can perform alternative work — particularly contested for younger Queensland public-sector claimants
Disputed date of stopping work where employment was casual or seasonal
Mental health claims declined for insufficient permanence evidence
Pre-existing condition exclusions on voluntary cover

Dispute pathway is internal dispute resolution then AFCA. See our guide to rejected TPD claims.

Australian Retirement Trust (ART)-specific tips

Identify your legacy status. Pre-merger Sunsuper and QSuper claim periods, especially those involving Defined Benefit, are assessed differently. Your member statement and old fund records establish this.
Queensland public sector members — confirm whether you have DB disablement entitlements separate from any Accumulation TPD. The DB benefit can be substantially more valuable.
Multi-fund claims. Members who consolidated into Sunsuper or QSuper from other funds should check whether prior insurance survived the consolidation.
Get evidence sooner rather than later. Pre-merger fund records and pre-merger insurer files become harder to access over time.

Free ART TPD claim assessment A specialist will identify your legacy status, applicable policy, and eligibility free →