Farming and agricultural work involves heavy machinery, livestock, uneven terrain and physically demanding labour. Serious injuries — tractor rollovers, machinery accidents, falls from height, heavy lifting injuries — are unfortunately common. Chronic conditions from years of physical labour also affect many in the sector.
Challenges farmers face with TPD claims
Many farmers are self-employed or operate family businesses, which creates two specific considerations:
- Super cover may be limited — self-employed farmers don't automatically receive super contributions, so TPD cover may only exist if they've set up a voluntary super account with insurance
- Own vs any occupation — if farming is your occupation, being unable to farm may qualify under own-occupation definitions even if you could theoretically do sedentary work
See our guide to TPD for self-employed people.
Past employment super accounts matter
Many farmers had previous jobs before farming, or worked for others at some point. Past super accounts from previous employment may carry TPD cover worth investigating. Check via myGov ATO. Try a free eligibility check.