Default cover and insurer
Aware Super is one of Australia's largest super funds, formed by the consolidation of First State Super, VicSuper, WA Super and other smaller funds. Members typically receive Death and TPD cover automatically (subject to PYS / PMIF eligibility rules), with cover scaling by age and (for some occupational tiers) the type of work performed. Default group cover is currently underwritten by TAL Life Limited.
Indicative default cover amounts (always check your Annual Statement for actuals):
| Age | Indicative default TPD cover |
|---|---|
| 30 | $130,000 – $230,000 |
| 40 | $190,000 – $340,000 |
| 50 | $160,000 – $290,000 |
| 60 | $70,000 – $130,000 |
Legacy fund mergers — why your old fund matters
Aware Super has absorbed several predecessor funds over recent years. The policy that applies to your claim is the one in force on the date you stopped work, not the current Aware Super arrangement:
- First State Super — the largest predecessor; long-standing NSW public sector default fund, with health-sector member base after Health Super merger
- VicSuper — Victorian public sector / general industry; merged 2020
- WA Super — Western Australian local government and water industry; merged 2020
- StatewideSuper — South Australian regional / general industry; merged 2023
Each had different insurers and terms before merger. A specialist will identify the policy that applies to your facts.
The TPD definition that applies to you
The standard Aware Super default Accumulation TPD definition is "Any Occupation" — unable to ever work again in any job for which you are reasonably suited by education, training or experience. Some occupational tiers and legacy fund arrangements may use slightly different wording; read your latest Insurance Booklet.
How to claim
- Notify Aware Super of intent to claim via the member portal or by phone
- Receive and complete the claim pack — member statement, employer statement, treating-doctor reports, authorities
- TAL Life Limited assesses against the policy definition (typically 4 to 8 months once full evidence is in)
- The Aware Super trustee independently reviews and decides
- Approved claims pay out subject to condition of release
If your claim is declined
Common reasons Aware Super TPD claims are declined:
- Insurer's view that healthcare/teaching workers can perform alternative non-clinical / non-classroom roles
- Mental health claims declined for insufficient evidence of permanence
- Disputed date of stopping work where return-to-work attempts complicate the timeline
- Pre-existing condition exclusions on voluntary cover
Dispute pathway is internal dispute resolution (45 days) then AFCA. See our guide to rejected TPD claims.
Aware Super-specific tips
- Identify your predecessor fund. If you stopped work before a relevant merger, the legacy policy applies. Old member statements and rollover correspondence establish this.
- Healthcare-specific evidence. Nurses, paramedics and allied health workers benefit from treating-clinician reports addressing physical and psychological capacity in clinical settings — generic reports often understate the demands of healthcare work.
- Occupation tier check. Some occupational tiers within Aware Super carry higher default cover. Confirm your tier classification matches the work you actually do.
- Multi-fund. Healthcare and public sector workers commonly hold Aware Super alongside HESTA, AustralianSuper, or other funds. Check MyGov before lodging.