How medical retirement works in SA Police
Three separate systems, three separate decisions.
Medical retirement isn't one process. It's three, running side by side, and each has its own decision-maker, test and deadline. Understanding which is which saves a lot of confusion when letters start arriving.
Police Act 1998
- Who decides
- The Commissioner (reviewable by SAET)
- What it decides
- Whether your appointment ends because you can't perform your duties
Super SA (Triple S or Police Super)
- Who decides
- Super SA, the insurer or the Police Superannuation Board
- What it decides
- Whether you're paid a TPD, income protection or invalidity benefit
Return to Work Act 2014
- Who decides
- ReturnToWorkSA's claims agent (disputes to SAET)
- What it decides
- Weekly income support, medical costs and lump sums for a work injury
| System | Who decides | What it decides |
|---|---|---|
| Police Act 1998 | The Commissioner (reviewable by SAET) | Whether your appointment ends because you can't perform your duties |
| Super SA (Triple S or Police Super) | Super SA, the insurer or the Police Superannuation Board | Whether you're paid a TPD, income protection or invalidity benefit |
| Return to Work Act 2014 | ReturnToWorkSA's claims agent (disputes to SAET) | Weekly income support, medical costs and lump sums for a work injury |
The tests differ too. The Commissioner looks at your police duties. Insurers look at their policy definition, which for TPD is usually about any job you're suited to. Return to Work looks at whether work caused the injury. You can meet one test and fail another.
Being unfit for police duties doesn't automatically mean you're 'totally and permanently disabled' for an insurer.
What does the Police Act say about medical termination?
Section 45 of the Police Act 1998 lets the Commissioner terminate an officer's appointment if satisfied, after due inquiry, that the officer can't perform their duties because of physical or mental disability or illness. Search extracts of the Act indicate the Commissioner must first comply with the requirements of the relevant super scheme. We couldn't open the Act ourselves, so read the current version before relying on that detail.
The South Australian Employment Tribunal (SAET) took over the former Police Review Tribunal's work. SAET's police page says it can review a termination due to physical or mental disability or illness, and the application must be made within 28 days of receiving written notice. A transfer can be reviewed within 14 days.
Termination review
28 days
from written notice (SAET)
Transfer review
14 days
SAET
Section
s 45
Police Act 1998, incapacity
Don't let the 28 days run
If you disagree with a termination, contact the Police Association of SA (PASA) the day the notice arrives. Even if you're unsure, lodging in time keeps your options open.
Which super scheme are you in?
Your joining date decides your medical benefits.
SAPOL officers fall into one of two super groups, and they're treated very differently on medical exit.
Super SA Triple S (Southern State Superannuation Scheme)
- Who's in it
- Officers who joined on or after 1 June 1990 (mandatory for new officers)
- Medical benefit
- Account balance plus insured death, TPD and income protection
SA Police Superannuation Pension Scheme (Police Superannuation Act 1990)
- Who's in it
- Officers who started before 1 June 1990
- Medical benefit
- Defined benefit invalidity pension (s 31) or partial-incapacity lump sum
| Scheme | Who's in it | Medical benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Super SA Triple S (Southern State Superannuation Scheme) | Officers who joined on or after 1 June 1990 (mandatory for new officers) | Account balance plus insured death, TPD and income protection |
| SA Police Superannuation Pension Scheme (Police Superannuation Act 1990) | Officers who started before 1 June 1990 | Defined benefit invalidity pension (s 31) or partial-incapacity lump sum |
Scheme names from our SA data file. Joining dates from Super SA and the Police Superannuation Act 1990.
Most serving officers are in Triple S. If you joined before June 1990 and are still serving, you're in the closed defined benefit Police Superannuation Scheme, which pays a pension rather than an insurance lump sum. Our SA Police super guide covers both schemes beyond medical exits.
Triple S insurance for SA police: death, TPD and income protection
Super SA gives police stronger default cover than most public servants. The details below come from Super SA fact sheets. Several Super SA pages returned errors to our tools, so some points come from search extracts of those official pages; we've marked them in the sources list.
Default death and TPD
6 units
vs 3 for most public servants
Value per unit
Up to $75,000
depends on age
Cost per unit
$1 a week
Super SA
Line-of-duty minimum
3 × salary
annual super salary
Death and TPD
New police get 6 units of standard death and TPD cover regardless of health, and those 6 units can't be reduced or cancelled until 65. Super SA says each unit is worth up to $75,000 depending on age, costs $1 a week and total cover can go up to $1.5 million. If death or TPD results from an injury received in the line of duty, there's a guaranteed minimum of 3 times annual super salary.
As an illustration only, on the $83,398 probationary constable salary in our SA data, a line-of-duty minimum of 3 times salary would be about $250,194. Your super salary may differ from your base pay, so check your statement.
Income protection
Triple S income protection pays up to 75% of notional salary, plus a contribution replacement benefit paid into your super account. The default waiting period is 30 days, with 90 days as a cheaper option. Police must keep income protection to age 60. Super SA's income protection page says benefits are paid for up to 24 months, or until your SA Government employment ends if that's sooner. That end date matters: if your employment is terminated on medical grounds, ask Super SA how it affects a running claim.
See what your super looks like if you stop work early
Project your Triple S balance to different exit ages, so you can see what a medical exit does to your retirement savings.
The closed SA Police Superannuation Scheme: invalidity pension
For officers who joined before 1 June 1990.
The Police Superannuation Act 1990 sets out the invalidity rules. Under s 31, the Police Superannuation Board must be satisfied that your incapacity for all kinds of work, inside and outside SA Police, is 60% or more and likely to be permanent.
The pension formula is P = A × 2/3 × FS. Roughly, A is your contribution points projected to 60 divided by your possible months of service, and FS is final salary. The pension is indexed, with a lump sum paid on top under s 31(4a).
30 or under
- Invalidity pension (% of super salary)
- 66.67%
- On a $83,398 salary (calc)
- $55,601
35
- Invalidity pension (% of super salary)
- 55.56%
- On a $83,398 salary (calc)
- $46,336
| Joined the scheme at | Invalidity pension (% of super salary) | On a $83,398 salary (calc) |
|---|---|---|
| 30 or under | 66.67% | $55,601 |
| 35 | 55.56% | $46,336 |
Percentages from the Police Superannuation Scheme member booklet (November 2024). Dollar figures are our illustration on the salary in our SA data; scheme members will be on a different salary.
What helps
- ✓Indexed pension for life if you meet the 60% test
- ✓Up to 20% can be commuted to a lump sum under 55, and up to 100% from 55
- ✓A temporary disability pension (s 30) can bridge the wait
What to know
- ✕Below 60% incapacity, you get a partial-incapacity lump sum (s 31(4)) instead
- ✕The pension is reduced by workers compensation weekly payments (s 40)
- ✕The Board's decision can take up to 3 months
The temporary disability pension under s 30 is payable for up to 12 months, extendable by 6, and can't run for more than 18 months in any 36-month period.
Return to Work SA: income support while you can't work
If work caused or contributed to your injury, the Return to Work Act 2014 applies. ReturnToWorkSA pays income support at 100% of your average weekly earnings for the first 52 weeks, then 80% for the next 52. Medical support continues for a year after income support ends.
Weeks 1-52
- Income support
- 100% of average weekly earnings
- Weekly on $83,398 (calc)
- $1,604
Weeks 53-104
- Income support
- 80%
- Weekly on $83,398 (calc)
- $1,283
After 104 weeks
- Income support
- Ends, unless you're a seriously injured worker
| Period | Income support | Weekly on $83,398 (calc) |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1-52 | 100% of average weekly earnings | $1,604 |
| Weeks 53-104 | 80% | $1,283 |
| After 104 weeks | Ends, unless you're a seriously injured worker | – |
Weekly figures are our illustration (salary ÷ 52). Average weekly earnings include more than base salary, so yours may differ.
Since 1 January 2023, a seriously injured worker is someone with 35% or more whole person impairment from a physical injury, or 30% or more from a psychiatric injury. Seriously injured workers can get income support to retirement age.
PASA's "Protect Our Cops" campaign led to an award change, approved in October 2017, that restored some entitlements beyond 104 weeks for police. A law firm describes it as 80% of notional weekly earnings for injuries from criminal conduct or dangerous duties. Those are secondary sources, and we couldn't confirm the current clause. Our SA Police workers comp guide goes deeper.
How do the benefits fit together?
The systems interact, and some payments reduce others. Here's the usual order for a Triple S member with a work injury.
- 1
Sick leave and Return to Work
First weeksReturn to Work income support starts for a compensable injury. Triple S income protection has a 30 or 90-day waiting period and may be offset by other income.
- 2
Income protection claim
Within the waiting periodLodge with Super SA early, even while a workers comp claim is open. Ask how Return to Work payments will offset the benefit.
- 3
Fitness for duty process
MonthsSAPOL looks at whether you can return to your role or other duties, usually with medical reports.
- 4
Termination under s 45
Review within 28 daysIf you can't return, the Commissioner may terminate. Check the super scheme requirements have been met first.
- 5
TPD claim
After stopping workIf you're unlikely to work again in a job you're suited to, claim TPD from Triple S. Line-of-duty TPD has the 3 × salary minimum.
Offsets work both ways
For Police Super members, s 40 reduces the invalidity pension by workers compensation weekly payments. Insurance policies have similar offset clauses. Ask each payer in writing how the others affect your payment.
What happens to your leave?
Leave balances can be worth a lot on exit. The SA Police Enterprise Agreement 2021 sets several police-specific types, as recorded in our SA data.
Long service leave
- Rule (from our SA data)
- Set by the Police Regulations/award; the accrual rate was not verified. Payment in lieu of LSL may be applied for if at least 30 days' credit is kept (EA cl 39). The proposed 2026 EA adds LSL cash-out arrangements.
Police Service Leave
- Rule (from our SA data)
- 4 calendar weeks' paid leave credited at 20 years' service and every 5 years after; maximum 1 week a year; can be cashed out (cl 38).
Programmed Hours Off
- Rule (from our SA data)
- 8 consecutive working hours off without loss of pay every 28 days, maximum 96 hours a year, on a 38-hour week (cl 35).
| Leave | Rule (from our SA data) |
|---|---|
| Long service leave | Set by the Police Regulations/award; the accrual rate was not verified. Payment in lieu of LSL may be applied for if at least 30 days' credit is kept (EA cl 39). The proposed 2026 EA adds LSL cash-out arrangements. |
| Police Service Leave | 4 calendar weeks' paid leave credited at 20 years' service and every 5 years after; maximum 1 week a year; can be cashed out (cl 38). |
| Programmed Hours Off | 8 consecutive working hours off without loss of pay every 28 days, maximum 96 hours a year, on a 38-hour week (cl 35). |
From the SA Police Enterprise Agreement 2021. The long service leave accrual rate isn't verified in our data; confirm with SAPOL payroll or PASA. A proposed 2026 agreement adds LSL cash-out arrangements but isn't in force yet.
Ask payroll for a full statement of balances before any termination date is set, including Police Service Leave if you've passed 20 years. Unused leave paid on termination is taxed under the ATO's rules, which treat invalidity terminations differently from an ordinary resignation, so get advice on timing.
Step by step: what to do if you can't return to work
- 1
Tell PASA early
Week 1Your association can explain SAPOL's process and refer you to lawyers who know police claims.
- 2
Lodge every claim that might apply
EarlyReturn to Work for a work injury, Super SA income protection, and later TPD. Don't wait for one to finish before starting another.
- 3
Get your scheme documents
EarlyAsk Super SA for your insurance cover, units, super salary and the policy wording.
- 4
Keep treating and keep records
OngoingInsurers and the Commissioner rely on treating doctors' reports. Attend appointments and keep copies.
- 5
Get advice before you sign
Before any decisionBefore you resign, accept a settlement or agree to termination, talk to PASA, a lawyer or a licensed financial adviser.
If you're thinking about resigning, read our guide to resigning from the police first. Leaving voluntarily can affect insurance and scheme benefits.
What evidence do you need?
Every decision-maker wants medical evidence, but each asks a slightly different question. Build one file that answers all of them.
Evidence checklist
- ✓ Treating GP and specialist reports that state diagnosis, prognosis and how long the condition is likely to last
- ✓ Reports that address your capacity for police duties and, separately, for any work you're suited to by education, training or experience
- ✓ Your SAPOL injury reports and any incident records, especially if you'll claim the line-of-duty minimum
- ✓ Return to Work claim number, decisions and payment history
- ✓ Super SA statements showing your insurance units and super salary
- ✓ Your education, training and work history (TPD definitions look at jobs you're reasonably suited to)
- ✓ A log of treatment, medications and how the condition affects daily life
The Police Superannuation Board uses an independent medical assessment for invalidity decisions, according to the member booklet. Expect to be examined by doctors you didn't choose, and bring your own reports.
How do you dispute a decision?
Termination for disability or illness (Police Act)
- Where to go
- SAET
- Time limit
- 28 days from written notice
Return to Work claim or payments
- Where to go
- SAET (conciliation, conference, hearing)
- Time limit
- Check the decision letter
Triple S insurance or benefit decision
- Where to go
- Super SA, then Super SA Board or SACAT
- Time limit
- 3 months (Super SA documents, search extract)
Police Super scheme decision
- Where to go
- Police Superannuation Board or SACAT (s 39)
- Time limit
- 3 months
| Decision | Where to go | Time limit |
|---|---|---|
| Termination for disability or illness (Police Act) | SAET | 28 days from written notice |
| Return to Work claim or payments | SAET (conciliation, conference, hearing) | Check the decision letter |
| Triple S insurance or benefit decision | Super SA, then Super SA Board or SACAT | 3 months (Super SA documents, search extract) |
| Police Super scheme decision | Police Superannuation Board or SACAT (s 39) | 3 months |
Super SA is an exempt public sector scheme, not regulated by APRA. We found nothing showing it has joined the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), so don't assume AFCA is available. Ask Super SA in writing which review path applies.
Ask for reasons
If a claim is refused, ask for the written reasons and every medical report relied on. You can't challenge evidence you haven't seen.
Mental injury, and where to get support
You don't have to work this out alone.
Many medical exits involve psychological injury, and the process itself can be hard: long waits, independent medicals and the loss of a job that was part of who you are. Getting support early is a sensible step, not a weakness.
If you need help now
Call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, any time. In an emergency, call 000.
SAPOL Employee Assistance Section
- What it offers
- Psychology, social work, medical and chaplaincy support; an external EAP for officers and immediate family; 24/7 on-call (as described in Parliament, November 2024)
Police Association of SA (PASA)
- What it offers
- Industrial and legal advice, including on medical termination and workers comp
SA Police Legacy
- What it offers
- Independent charity helping with serious injury, illness and bereavement (secondary source)
Fortem Australia
- What it offers
- Support for current first responders and families, and former responders who left within the past 10 years
| Service | What it offers |
|---|---|
| SAPOL Employee Assistance Section | Psychology, social work, medical and chaplaincy support; an external EAP for officers and immediate family; 24/7 on-call (as described in Parliament, November 2024) |
| Police Association of SA (PASA) | Industrial and legal advice, including on medical termination and workers comp |
| SA Police Legacy | Independent charity helping with serious injury, illness and bereavement (secondary source) |
| Fortem Australia | Support for current first responders and families, and former responders who left within the past 10 years |
A career after policing may feel a long way off. When you're ready, many former officers find work that uses their skills on different terms.
What isn't published, and who can confirm it
We'd rather tell you what we couldn't confirm than guess. These points matter for SA officers and aren't clear from sources we could open.
- ✓ The current text of Police Act s 45 and the Police Regulations: confirm with PASA or legislation.sa.gov.au
- ✓ How a medical termination affects a running Triple S income protection claim: confirm with Super SA
- ✓ The current award clause for police injury top-ups beyond 104 weeks: confirm with PASA
- ✓ Whether a PTSD presumption for first responders has passed in SA: confirm with PASA or a lawyer
- ✓ Whether Super SA disputes can go to AFCA: confirm with Super SA
For general super questions, see our national police super guide, and for other forces, how medical retirement works in every force.
Free email alerts
Changes to SA Police injury and medical retirement rules
The PTSD presumption bill, the new PASA agreement and Super SA insurance terms could all change what an injured SAPOL officer gets. We email you when they do, in plain English.
- ✓PTSD presumption and Return to Work changes
- ✓Super SA police insurance updates
Frequently asked questions
Can SA Police medically retire an officer?
Yes. Under s 45 of the Police Act 1998, the Commissioner may terminate an officer's appointment if satisfied after due inquiry that the officer is unable to perform their duties because of physical or mental disability or illness. We couldn't open the Act ourselves, so this comes from extracts of the official text. The decision can be reviewed by SAET.
How long do I have to challenge a medical termination in SA?
SAET's police page says an application to review a termination due to physical or mental disability or illness must be made within 28 days of receiving written notice of the termination. A transfer can be reviewed within 14 days. Talk to the Police Association of SA (PASA) straight away, because the clock starts on notice.
What insurance do SA police get in Triple S?
Super SA says new police get 6 units of death and TPD cover by default, twice the 3 units most public servants get, and it can't be reduced or cancelled before 65. A line-of-duty death or TPD has a guaranteed minimum of 3 times annual super salary. Police must also keep income protection, which pays up to 75% of notional salary, to age 60.
How is the old SA Police Super invalidity pension calculated?
For pre-June 1990 members, the Police Superannuation Act 1990 s 31 pays an invalidity pension if the Board finds at least 60% incapacity for all work that's likely to be permanent. The member booklet shows 66.67% of super salary for someone who joined at 30 or under, falling to 55.56% for joining at 35. A partial-incapacity lump sum applies below 60%.
How long does Return to Work SA pay injured police?
ReturnToWorkSA pays income support at 100% of average weekly earnings for 52 weeks, then 80% for another 52 weeks: 104 weeks in total. Seriously injured workers (35% whole person impairment for physical injury, 30% for psychiatric injury, since 1 January 2023) can get income support to retirement age. A police award top-up has been reported but we couldn't confirm the current clause.
Is PTSD presumed to be work-related for SA police?
Not as far as we can find. A private member's bill to create a PTSD presumption for first responders passed the Legislative Council in April 2024, but we found no evidence it has become law. Tasmania, the Commonwealth and other states have presumptions. Check with PASA or a lawyer for the current position before you lodge a claim.
Should I resign before I'm medically retired?
Generally, no, not until you've had advice. Resigning can change what you can claim, because insurance and scheme benefits often depend on you still being employed when you stop work, and on the reason you leave. Speak to PASA, Super SA and a lawyer before you sign anything.
Can I use AFCA for a Super SA dispute?
Probably not. Super SA is an exempt public sector scheme, and its documents point complaints to Super SA, then the Super SA Board or SACAT within 3 months. We found nothing saying Super SA has joined AFCA. Ask Super SA which review path applies to your decision.
Evidence
Sources and how we checked them
Every figure on this page comes from the sources below, read on 9 October 2026. Pay rates and rules change when new agreements are made, so check the source for the date you're reading this. Where we couldn't confirm something from an official source, the page says so instead of guessing. Spotted an error? Read our corrections policy.
- Police Act 1998 (SA), s 45 termination for incapacity (authorised PDF) — We could not open this file ourselves; wording from search extracts
- SAET: Police matters — Review of termination for disability or illness within 28 days
- SAPOL: Police Regulations 2014 — Search extract only
- Super SA: Death and TPD insurance — Police get 6 units at $1 a unit a week; can't reduce or cancel until 65
- Super SA: Income protection — Up to 75% for up to 24 months, or until SA Government employment ends
- Super SA: Know your super, Triple S Police (TSFS52) — 6 units default cover; line-of-duty minimum; search extract only
- Super SA: Guaranteed minimum retirement benefit, Triple S Police (TSFS46)
- Super SA: Income protection insurance fact sheet (TSFS05, 1 December 2025) — 75% of notional salary, 30 or 90-day wait, police must keep cover to 60
- Police Superannuation Act 1990 (SA), version 1.5.2020 — ss 30, 31, 39, 40
- Police Superannuation Scheme: Member booklet, pension (November 2024)
- ReturnToWorkSA: Support and benefits — 100% for 52 weeks, 80% for 52 weeks
- ReturnToWorkSA: Significant reforms to the Return to Work Act 2014 — 35% WPI physical, 30% psychiatric, from 1 January 2023
- SAET: Return to work disputes
- InDaily: SA police win workers compensation deal (27 October 2017) — Secondary source
- Mellor Olsson: Additional workers compensation entitlements reinstated — Secondary source
- UFU SA: PTSD bill passed (Legislative Council) — Private member's bill, April 2024
- SA Hansard, House of Assembly, 28 November 2024 — SAPOL Employee Assistance Section
- Fortem Australia: Who we are
- Super SA: Triple S
- Return to Work Act 2014 (SA)
Related guides
Retiring and super
More in this series
General information, not advice. This guide explains published rules and rates. It doesn't consider your personal circumstances and isn't financial, legal, tax or credit advice. Confirm anything you rely on with your force, your police association, the ATO or a licensed professional.