Can I access my super if I become permanently disabled?
If you’re a GESB Super or West State Super member, you may be able to access your super if you become totally and permanently disabled.
If you're a Gold State Super member, different rules apply for accessing your super. Read our Insurance and your super fact sheet to learn more.
When is a disability benefit payable?
Generally, you could be eligible for a total and permanent disability benefit if:
- You are no longer gainfully employed due to ill health
- We are satisfied that you are unlikely to ever engage in gainful employment again, for which you are reasonably qualified by education, training or experience
If you become medically diagnosed as totally and permanently disabled, you can then apply for a total and permanent disability benefit. Your application must be supported by relevant medical reports addressing specific requirements.
Your disability benefit may include an insured component if you have Total and Permanent Disablement insurance through your GESB Super or West State Super.
Important information for West State Super members
If you have been medically diagnosed as totally and permanently disabled, we recommend you apply for your disability benefit within 12 months of your employment ending.
If you apply outside of this period, your entitlement to any insured benefit may be affected.
Based on your application, we will make the final decision on whether a benefit is payable (and our Insurer will determine if you are entitled to any insured component).
If you don’t meet the criteria for total and permanent disablement, you may still be eligible for a partial and permanent disablement benefit.
For more information, read our Insurance and your super brochure.
Can I access my super if I become permanently disabled?
If you’re a GESB Super or West State Super member, you may be able to access your super if you become totally and permanently disabled.
If you're a Gold State Super member, different rules apply for accessing your super. Read our Insurance and your super fact sheet to learn more.
When is a disability benefit payable?
Generally, you could be eligible for a total and permanent disability benefit if:
- You are no longer gainfully employed due to ill health
- We are satisfied that you are unlikely to ever engage in gainful employment again, for which you are reasonably qualified by education, training or experience
If you become medically diagnosed as totally and permanently disabled, you can then apply for a total and permanent disability benefit. Your application must be supported by relevant medical reports addressing specific requirements.
Your disability benefit may include an insured component if you have Total and Permanent Disablement insurance through your GESB Super or West State Super.
Important information for West State Super members
If you have been medically diagnosed as totally and permanently disabled, we recommend you apply for your disability benefit within 12 months of your employment ending.
If you apply outside of this period, your entitlement to any insured benefit may be affected.
Based on your application, we will make the final decision on whether a benefit is payable (and our Insurer will determine if you are entitled to any insured component).
If you don’t meet the criteria for total and permanent disablement, you may still be eligible for a partial and permanent disablement benefit.
For more information, read our Insurance and your super brochure.
Thank you for printing this page. Remember to come back to gesb.wa.gov.au for the latest information as our content is updated regularly. This information is correct as at 23 June 2026.