Income Protection for Casual Workers
Review 10+ income protection policies that cover part-time employees and casual workers.
As a part-time or casual worker, income protection will pay you a portion of your regular earnings to help you get by till you're recovered from your injury or illness and can return to work.
3 key conditions include:

Minimum hours worked in a week
Most policies will require you to work 20 hours a week to qualify for cover.

Minimum weeks worked in a year
Some policies will require you to wotk a minimum of 48 hours per year.

Age restrictions
Some policies will enforce a stricter age limit e.g. 18-59.
Who covers part-time or casual employment?
Provider | Required employment status | Minimum hours* | Apply |
---|---|---|---|
Not stated | 20 hours | ||
Permanent and part time | 20 hours | ||
Permanent and part time | 20 hours | ||
Permanent and part time | 20 hours | ||
![]() | Not stated | 20 hours | |
Permanent and part time or technically casual | 20 hours | ||
![]() | Permanent part time | 20-25 hours | |
![]() | Permanent and part time | 20-30 hours | |
![]() | Not stated | Not stated | |
![]() | Gainfully employed | 20 hours | |
![]() | Permanent and part time | 20 hours | |
![]() | Permanent and part time | Not Stated | |
![]() | Permanent and part time | 20-30 hours |
*Can vary depending on the type of occupation. Always consult the Product disclosure statement (PDS) if you are unsure.
If you prefer, speak to an advisor and get a personalised quote
An adviser can help you find cover from trusted life insurance brands.
- Get competitive quotes from multiple brands
- Lower rate of declined claims (according to ASIC)
- Save time and effort

Can I get income protection insurance when I work less than 20 hours per week?
Yes. While it is typical for income protection policies to require one to work at least 20 hours per week, there are still other options available. Zurich Ezicover, for example has a special level of cover for those who work less than 20 hours per week, and Onepath Living Expenses Cover can cover those who may not be working enough hours to qualify for standard income protection insurance.
If you work less than 20 hours per week, you may be able to get cover under "homemaker" income protection policies, but should make sure that working on a casual basis does not disqualify you from "homemaker" status with a certain policy.
Part-time and casual income protection for different occupations
Depending on your job, your income protection insurance will have different benefits and requirements. Insurance providers categorise occupations based on risk level and it’s important to know which category your job falls into. Some occupations such as farming are also susceptible to unpredictable income fluctuations, and you should ensure that you have good income protection insurance to help cover these unexpected shortfalls. Learn more about income protection insurance to make sure you have the best cover for your job.
Can I get income protection as a stay-at-home-parent?
Stay-at-home parents or 'homemakers' can also claim income protection. A growing number of insurers in Australia are recognising homemakers as eligible recipients for income protection benefit payments. Insurers recognise the financial strain of losing a homemaker as it often results in needing to pay for the services of a professional worker to carry out day-to-day tasks. For single parents, injury or illness can mean that they can’t care for their children.
The BT Income Protection plan, for example, provides a benefit payment of up to $5,000 per month for up to two years if the homemaker is unable to perform normal home duties as a result of serious illness or injury.The BT Protection Plan also allows homemakers to take out a Children's Benefit under the income protection plan for homemakers. This insures their children for a lump sum amount in case of major medical events. In order to qualify for the Home Duties benefit which covers work around the house, applicants must be engaged in at least 20 hours of work per week.
Tips for finding the right income protection policy






Compare income protection quotes from these direct brands
Tip: If you want to compare policies side-by-side, simply click the 'Compare' tickbox. Then select 'Get a quote' to get started.
Income protection calculator: How much cover you could get
Why you can trust Finder's income protection experts

We're free
You pay the same as buying directly from the insurer. We make money from referral fees when you choose a policy, but you don't pay any extra.

We're experts
Our team of income protection experts have researched and rated dozens of policies as part of our Finder Awards and published 80+ guides.
We're independent
Unlike other comparison sites, we're not owned by an insurer. Our opinions are our own and all guides must meet our editorial standards.

We're here to help
Since 2016, we've helped thousands of Australians find income protection by explaining your cover options, simply and clearly.
Frequently asked questions
More guides on Finder
-
Cost of living comparison
How much could you save if you lived in a different city in Australia? Let's find out.
-
Income protection insurance brokers
The right insurance broker can assist you in finding the right policy by comparing the market based on your specific needs.
-
Income protection for tradies
The tradies guide to income protection insurance.
-
Income protection for couplesÂ
Income protection for couples ensures your partner isn't hurt financially if you are temporarily unable to work due to illness or injury.
-
Income protection for anxietyÂ
Find out how you can get income protection insurance for anxiety.
-
Sick leave Australia: What you’re entitled to and when
Find out why income protection is an important tool to combine with your entitled sick leave.
-
Most dangerous sports in Australia
Australians love their sports, so it’s easy to get complacent about the chance of a serious injury. Find out which sports are the leading causes of injuries.
-
Income protection with pre-existing conditions
Find out how you can benefit from income protection even if you have a pre-existing condition, and which providers will cover you.
-
Is income protection insurance tax-deductible?
One of the benefits of income protection insurance is that you may have the ability to claim a tax deduction on your premium benefits. Find out if the same rules apply for policies inside super.
-
Income protection insurance for footballers
When one in three Australians play sports twice or more per week, we’ve got why income protection can be useful if you play football.