Default cover and insurer
Brighter Super is a Queensland-headquartered industry super fund formed from the consolidation of LGIAsuper, Energy Super and Suncorp Super. Members typically receive Death and TPD cover automatically (subject to PYS / PMIF eligibility), with cover scaled by age and occupational tier. 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 | $170,000 – $290,000 |
| 50 | $140,000 – $240,000 |
| 60 | $60,000 – $100,000 |
Legacy fund mergers — why your old fund matters
Brighter Super preserves separate arrangements for members of each predecessor fund where claim events arose before the merger:
- LGIAsuper — long-running Queensland local government industry fund, with strong default cover for council workers
- Energy Super — Queensland energy industry fund, with cover settings reflecting industry pay and risk levels
- Suncorp Super — Suncorp Group employees and Suncorp's retail super customers
Each had different terms and (in some cases) different insurers before merger. A specialist will identify the policy that applies to your facts.
The TPD definition that applies to you
Standard Brighter Super default 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. Some occupational tiers and legacy fund arrangements may use slightly different wording.
How to claim
- Notify Brighter 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
- The relevant insurer assesses against the policy definition that applied at your date of disablement
- The Brighter Super trustee independently reviews and decides
- Approved claims pay out subject to condition of release
If your claim is declined
Common reasons Brighter Super TPD claims are declined:
- Insurer's view that you can perform alternative work — particularly contested for council workers and energy trade workers
- Disputed date of stopping work where return-to-work attempts complicate the timeline
- Mental health claims declined for insufficient permanence evidence
- Pre-existing condition exclusions on voluntary cover
Dispute pathway is internal dispute resolution (45 days) then AFCA. See our guide to rejected TPD claims.
Brighter Super-specific tips
- Identify your predecessor fund. Pre-merger LGIAsuper, Energy Super or Suncorp Super claim events use different policies. Old member statements establish this.
- Queensland workers compensation overlap. Many TPD-eligible members also have parallel WorkCover QLD claims. Medical evidence overlaps; coordinate to avoid inconsistencies.
- Council workers — physical roles in parks, water, waste, and operations typically have substantial cover and clear "stopped work" anchors.
- Multi-fund check. Members commonly hold Brighter alongside Sunsuper / ART or AustralianSuper from prior employment. Check MyGov before lodging.