What is a TPD Claim?
TPD is an acronym that stands for total and permanent disability. TPD insurance policies are typically included with a superannuation account or can be taken out separately to insurer against the risk of suffering a severe injury or illness. If you have a TPD insurance policy and have suffered a total and permanent disability, then you may be eligible to make a TPD insurance claim. TPD benefits usually take the form of a lump-sum payment that can help support you if you can no longer work due to the severity of your disability.
Are you eligible to make a TPD claim?
Although every TPD policy is different, you may be eligible for a TPD insurance claim if you’ve been off work for three or more months due to an injury or illness and have little to no prospect of returning to your work. Some of the basic conditions that you have may be required to meet are:
- Your disability is total and permanent: Depending on the claim this may mean that you have either suffered a serious injury, you’re unlikely to return to work in your previous role or unlikely to return to work in any job.
- You have fulfilled the waiting period requirements: This may be 6 months, 3 months or no waiting period depending on the particulars of your case.
- You can provide evidence of your work history: You were working a set number of hours per week or fulltime before you made your claim.
- You can prove that you’ve lost some independence: You are unable to perform some daily functions such as activities of daily living.
- You are complying with medical advice and care: You have undergone rehabilitation, are under the regular care of a medical practitioner, attend regular medical appointments and follow medical advice.
What does the TPD claim process entail?
- We will get in touch with your insurer or superannuation provider. We will request the product disclosure statement (PDS) in order to review the definition of TPD for your particular policy.
- Fill out the required forms. These forms can be complex, particularly if you are suffering from a severe injury or illness, so seeking professional assistance from a TPD lawyer is recommended.
- Hand over the evidence. This will include medical reports of your condition, proof of employment and any other relevant paperwork.
- Wait for assessment. Once you’ve completed all the required paperwork you can typically wait anywhere up to 6 months for a decision to be made. During this process you may be asked to provide more details on your claim.
What are the key features of a successful TPD claim?
The TPD claims process can be frustrating if you don’t have a thorough knowledge of what you need to do to complete your claim. Some of the features of a successful claim include:
- Completing the application thoroughly, providing all necessary details, documents and evidence.
- Lodging your claim in a timely manner, particularly while your policy is still active and after the required waiting period.
- Being able to show proof that you have a total and permanent disability and evidence of your work history.
The TPD process can be difficult and many find professional assistance the best way to maximise their chances of a successful claim. A TPD lawyer can help support you throughout the process, provide professional advice on requirements, deal with any causes for delay and advise you on what to do if your claim is rejected.