permanent incapacity
If you have a permanent medical condition or injury that prevents you from working, you may be eligible for a permanent incapacity benefit — allowing access to your super early.
who can claim
To be eligible for a permanent incapacity benefit, at least two medical practitioners need to confirm that you have a permanent medical condition (physical or mental) that makes you unlikely to ever engage in the line of work you were educated, qualified or experienced in doing.
how it works
If you receive a permanent incapacity benefit, you’ll generally be paid the entire balance of your super account, unless you choose to keep some funds in your super account to cover insurance fees for any existing death and disability insurances you have. The amount you nominate is paid as a lump sum. Your payment may be taxed depending on your age and situation. Find out more about tax in our Claiming a permanent incapacity benefit guide (PDF).
Keeping your HESTA account open and retaining your insurance cover
When you apply for permanent incapacity, you'll need to keep at least $6,000 in your HESTA account to cover the fees for any insurance you'd like to maintain.
If you don't keep enough in your account and no contributions are received for 16 consecutive months, your insurance cover will stop — and you may no longer be eligible to claim any insured benefits. So it's worth thinking about which covers matter most to you before you make your decision.
how to apply
Step 1
You'll need to gather the following:
Medical certificates from two different legally qualified medical practitioners
Certifying your identification form (PDF) and copies of the required certified identification documents.
Step 2
Return your completed documents to us:
- Email: hesta@hesta.com.au
- Post: Locked Bag 35007 Collins St West VIC 8007
Step 3
We’ll assess your application and either accept or decline based on the information you have supplied.
If we need more information or if your claim is not accepted, we'll be in touch to discuss your options.
other ways to claim
If you have Income Protection Cover, you may also be able to make an income protection claim to receive a monthly benefit to help you and your family meet ongoing living expenses.
To check whether you have IP Cover and to submit a claim, log in to your account and go to the ‘Insurance’ tab.
If you have TPD Cover, you may also be able to make a TPD claim if you have an illness or injury that has left you permanently disabled and unable to return to work. This type of cover provides a benefit in addition to any super balance you have accessed through permanent incapacity.
To check whether you have TPD Cover and to submit a claim, log in to your account and go to the ‘Insurance’ tab.
If you have a health condition, illness or injury that is preventing you from working temporarily, you may still be able to make a claim for some of your super through compassionate grounds.
get help with social security benefits
The Welfare Rights Centre is an independent community legal centre specialising in social security law and its administration by Centrelink.
The Centre has a long-standing relationship with HESTA, guiding members through the social security system when they’re unable to work and need financial help. As a HESTA member, you can access this service at no extra cost to get support with understanding and accessing your social security rights and entitlements.*
Get support from the Welfare Rights Centre 
*The above is general information only. It does not constitute legal advice. If you need legal or financial advice about your Social Security entitlement, please contact the Welfare Rights Centre on (02) 9211 5300 (Sydney) or call 1800 226 028. The Welfare Rights Centre, Sydney, is a community legal centre which specialises in social security law, administration and policy. It is entirely independent of Centrelink. All assistance is free. For more information, visit welfarerightscentre.org.au
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We're here to help
Applying for a permanent incapacity benefit can be a challenging time. Our team is always here to answer any questions you may have and support you to understand the process.