Default cover and insurer
Rest Super provides default Death and TPD cover (Standard Insurance) for eligible members. Cover is underwritten by TAL Life Limited. Members can apply for additional Voluntary Insurance, which is medically underwritten.
Indicative default cover amounts (always check your Annual Statement for actuals):
| Age | Indicative default TPD cover |
|---|---|
| 25 | $60,000 – $130,000 |
| 35 | $110,000 – $200,000 |
| 45 | $100,000 – $180,000 |
| 55 | $50,000 – $90,000 |
The TPD definition that applies to you
The standard definition is "Any Occupation": you must be unable to ever work again in any job for which you are reasonably suited by education, training or experience. Rest's policy includes provisions for members not in active employment at the time of claim — wording varies and a specialist should review your specific policy.
For members who held cover under a prior insurer (Rest changed insurers in recent years), the definition that applies is the one in the policy on the date you stopped work, not today's policy.
How to claim
- Notify Rest Super via the member portal or by calling 1300 300 778
- Rest Super sends a claim pack — member statement, employer statement, treating-doctor reports, authorities for medical and tax records
- Complete and return forms with supporting medical evidence
- TAL Life Limited assesses against the policy definition (typically 3 to 6 months once full evidence is in)
- The Rest Super trustee independently reviews and makes the final decision
- Approved claims pay out subject to condition of release
If your claim is declined
The most common reasons Rest Super TPD claims are declined:
- Insurer's view that you can perform alternative work — common for younger claimants and casual workers
- Insufficient evidence of permanence (mental health, chronic pain)
- Disputed date of last work where employment was casual or seasonal
- Pre-existing condition exclusion — particularly for voluntary cover
Your dispute pathway is internal dispute resolution (45 days), then AFCA if needed. See our full guide to rejected TPD claims.
Rest-specific tips
- Casual workers — make sure your employer statement and payroll records cover the period leading up to your last shift. Casual employment timelines are commonly disputed.
- Older policy periods — if you stopped work years ago, identify which insurer was on cover at the time. The policy in force then applies, not the current one.
- Multi-fund claims — Rest is often one of several funds members hold. Check MyGov for all super accounts before lodging.
- Voluntary cover — members with Voluntary Insurance can have substantially higher cover; check your member portal for current voluntary amounts.