Sunsuper has removed waiting periods for most claims under its new total and permanent disability (TPD) product.

The superannuation fund will now focus on early intervention, vocational rehabilitation and, where possible, returning members to work.

The product, TPD Assist, will roll out on July 1, when the new AIA Australia group life insurance contract takes effect.

It was developed following 18 months of research and consultation with more than 1000 fund members.

Sunsuper Head of Product Wanda Britton says the cover focuses on members’ financial and emotional needs.

“In an in-depth study of members who had previously been paid a TPD claim, Sunsuper found 36% had returned to work or were actively seeking employment,” she said.

“This highlights ‘permanent’ isn’t necessarily forever, and many of our members who have made a TPD claim want to return to work.”

Ms Britton says the fund’s research shows 69% of TPD claimants want help with vocational rehabilitation, retraining or “up-skilling”, while 66% want help finding a job.

With waiting periods removed, injured members will be referred to vocational rehabilitation specialists, who will devise tailored programs.

“Once the member is assessed as meeting the definition of being totally and permanently disabled, they will receive their cover in six equal annual support payments over five years,” Ms Britton said. “But if they are able to return to work earlier… the payments would stop.”

She says members will still receive lump-sum payments if there is no possibility of working again.