What evidence do I need to provide to prove my income when making a claim?

When claiming Income Protection, you'll need to provide comprehensive evidence of your pre-disability income to establish your benefit entitlement, particularly for indemnity-style policies. Required documentation typically includes: your two most recent years of tax returns and notices of assessment from the ATO, payslips for the 12 months before disability (if employed), employer letters confirming your salary and employment status, bank statements showing salary deposits, financial statements for your business if self-employed (profit and loss statements, balance sheets), evidence of any bonuses, commissions, or overtime regularly received, and documentation of any other income sources like rental income or dividends. For self-employed individuals, you may need accountant-prepared financial statements, BAS statements, and evidence of drawings from the business. The insurer will verify that your income was stable and that you were actively working when you became disabled. If your income fluctuated significantly, they'll typically average it over the qualifying period (usually 12 months). Income can include salary, wages, regular bonuses, commissions, and regular overtime, but generally excludes investment income, rental income (unless real estate is your occupation), and one-off windfalls. Keep thorough financial records even before you need to claim, as retrospectively gathering evidence can be challenging. If you've recently changed jobs or had income variations, explain the circumstances and provide supporting documentation. The insurer may also contact your employer or accountant directly to verify the information you provide.