Default cover and insurer
Cbus is the industry super fund for the construction, building and allied industries. Members typically receive Death and TPD cover from joining, with cover scaled by age and occupational tier. Cover is underwritten by TAL Life Limited.
Occupational tiers — and why they matter
Unlike most industry funds, Cbus bands members into occupational tiers based on the work they do. Heavy / high-risk trades typically receive substantially higher default cover than general office / supervisory roles within the construction industry. The tier you fall into is generally based on your employer's classification when contributions begin.
Indicative default cover amounts by tier:
| Tier (indicative) | Member type | Default TPD cover (age 40) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Heavy construction trade (rigger, scaffolder, formworker, demolition) | $300,000 – $500,000 |
| 2 | Light construction trade (carpenter, electrician, plumber) | $200,000 – $350,000 |
| 3 | Construction office / supervisory | $120,000 – $250,000 |
Members can apply for additional voluntary cover. Voluntary cover is medically underwritten.
The TPD definition that applies to you
Cbus uses an "Any Occupation" definition for default cover. The standard test is whether you can ever work again in any job for which you are reasonably suited by education, training or experience. For tradies with decades of physical experience and limited formal qualifications outside the trade, the suitability test is genuinely material — alternative occupations must be ones you could realistically perform with your background.
The policy also includes ADL-based assessment for members not gainfully employed at the relevant date. Read your most recent Insurance Booklet for exact wording.
How to claim
- Notify Cbus of intent to claim
- Receive and complete claim pack — member statement, employer statement, treating-doctor reports, authorities
- TAL Life Limited assesses against policy definition (typically 4 to 8 months for cumulative injury claims)
- Trustee independently reviews and decides
- Approved claims pay out subject to condition of release
If your claim is declined
Common reasons Cbus TPD claims are declined:
- Insurer view that retraining to lighter / supervisory roles is realistic — frequently contestable for tradies with limited formal education
- Disputed date of stopping work, particularly for casual trade workers
- Pre-existing condition exclusions for voluntary cover
- Insufficient evidence of permanence for chronic pain claims
Internal dispute resolution then AFCA. See our guide to rejected TPD claims.
Cbus-specific tips
- Confirm your tier. Your default cover amount depends on the occupational tier classification — make sure your employer's classification correctly reflects the work you actually did. Mis-classification commonly understates cover.
- Document trade specificity. A back injury that prevents 30+kg lifting for 8 hours a day is genuinely incompatible with most construction trades. Treating doctors should explicitly address whether you can perform the physical demands of any trade work.
- Educational background matters in suitability. If you finished school early and worked the trades since, retraining to office work isn't "reasonable" under the test.
- Multi-fund claims. Long-tenure tradies commonly have multiple super funds from different employers and unions. Check MyGov before lodging.