What is income protection?
Income protection (IP) insurance pays a regular monthly benefit if you can't work due to illness or injury. Unlike TPD, which usually pays a lump sum for permanent conditions, IP pays you a portion of your income while you're temporarily unable to work — typically until you return to work or for a maximum benefit period.
Many Australians have income protection through their super fund and don't realise it.
Who may be eligible?
- You're temporarily unable to work due to illness or injury
- You had IP cover at the time you stopped working
- You've completed any required waiting period (often 30 to 90 days)
- Your condition is supported by medical evidence
Income protection works alongside TPD
If your condition becomes permanent, you may transition from an IP claim to a TPD claim. Many people are eligible for both. The Free Claim Check helps clarify what may apply.
How much does it pay?
IP typically pays up to 75% of your pre-disability income, often capped at a monthly maximum stated in your policy. Payments continue for the benefit period in your policy — sometimes 2 years, 5 years, or to a specified age.
Common reasons people claim
- Recovery from surgery or major illness
- Mental health conditions affecting work capacity
- Injuries from accidents (workplace, road, sport)
- Cancer treatment and recovery
- Chronic conditions causing temporary inability to work
What ClaimSure does
We help you check whether you have IP cover, whether your situation may qualify, and what your next practical step could be. We start with a Free Claim Check so you have clarity before committing time and energy.