Total & Permanent Disability:A simple Guide to TPD Claims & Compensation

If you have suffered an injury or illness and a result of that has left you unable to work, you could be eligible to make a Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) claim.

What is a TPD claim? 

Everyone calls it a TPD Claim, yet what is that exactly?

A TPD claim is a claim on the benefits from a Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) insurance policy.

TPD is defined as the inability to continue working due to an illness or injury. It is not necessary for the illness or injury to be sustained at the workplace, it can result from an injury or illness sustained anywhere, it may have been at home, playing sports, at the gym or even a car accident. Where the accident/incident also occurred does not affect your eligibility to make a TPD claim.

Your superannuation fund will have its own definition of the term, but essentially TPD refers to any sort of permanent incapacity that directly affects your ability to remain employed in your field of expertise.

What is TPD insurance?

Total and Permanent Disability insurance is a type of insurance provided by your super fund. It also may be available as a separate policy from your preferred life insurer. It provides you with a lump sum payment if you have become totally or permanently disabled and are unable to return to work.

Who is eligible to make a TPD claim?

To be eligible to make a TPD claim, you generally must have a disability that has rendered you unable to work in your chosen occupation or it even may affect any other occupation for which you are reasonably qualified by education, training, or experience to undertake. Your superannuation fund will give you more clarity in respect to this.

When can I make a TPD Claim?

After you become totally or permanently disabled, there are time limitations meaning that you must wait a certain amount of time before filing a TPD claim with your insurer. Insurers do want the wait period, so that you can prove that you have been out of work and won’t be able to return to your occupation (or any occupation).

A general, on these timeframes for a TPD Claim can be three to six months following the date of your injury or illness, yet all insurers have various differences.

What injuries and illnesses qualify for a TPD claim?

Some common injuries and illnesses that may qualify for a TPD claim include can be chronic illnesses, amputations or loss of limbs, a spinal cord injury, there are many factors to consider relating to a TPD claim, yet you must remember that TPD does stand for Total and Permanent Disability. Insurers have certain definitions of “total and permanent disability” as stated in your policy and you would possibly need to provide evidence to support your claim, such as medical reports, and demonstrate that your condition prevents you from engaging in work-related activities.

Check your insurance policy to see if it is covered within the stated definition of TPD.

What is the TPD claims process?

The TPD claims process is straightforward, although it can be lengthy.

If you would like to know more Hogan Stanton Lawyers can assist, especially if your claim has been denied, we may be able to help you file a dispute.

Do I need a lawyer for a TPD claim?

To maximise your chances of a successful TPD claim, it is recommended that a lawyer help you find information about the entitlements that are embedded in your superannuation policy and guide you through the process of lodging a claim. 

If you think you have a TPD claim, call us on 07 3278 1888 for a no-obligation consultation.