Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) Claims
What does TPD mean?
What is TPD?
Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) means that you cannot work in your usual occupation or any other reasonably suited role because of a mental or physical disability, sickness or ill health.
It does not mean that you cannot work at all; it just means you are unable to perform your job that fits your experience, skill and ability.
Example: if you are a bricklayer and hurt your back significantly enough so that you are no longer able to perform that job, you can still claim TPD even though you could still undertake an office job.
TPD does not mean “never work again”. Even if you are able to be re-trained into some other area and continue working in the future, you may still have a claim.
TPD insurance can be attached to your superannuation, mortgage or other loan insurance. You may also have other occupational specific cover. For example in the building, construction or contract cleaning industries, portable long service leave can be claimed in the event of TPD. It provides financial benefits if you are no longer able to work in your usual occupation due to mental or physical disability or ill health.
Can I claim TPD benefits?
To receive TPD benefits, you will need to demonstrate that the injury or illness has prevented you from being able to work and perform your usual duties. You will also need to show that you cannot continue to work in any other occupation that fits your skills, training or education.
To claim for Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) you do not need to prove that the injury or illness was work related or due to someone else’s negligence.
For example, if you are suffering from cancer or a mental health condition and cannot work, you will still be entitled to receive these benefits. You will just need to demonstrate that the injury or illness is significant and has stopped you from earning a wage or income, or has seriously hindered your ability to carry out your daily activities.
How much will I get?
How much will I get?
Benefits you may be able to claim include Income Protection, Accident and Trauma and/or Life Insurance. Depending on what Insurance coverage you have and what is included in your Superannuation policy you may receive these benefits as a lump sum or monthly payments.
The amounts you may be entitled to will vary, depending on the type of insurance cover you have and how much you are insured for. This information is usually included in the fine print of your policy or statements.
These benefits can be claimed in addition to any Centrelink or Workers Compensation payments you may have received for the injury or illness.
What evidence do I need to provide?
Evidence or proof
To claim for TPD you must have medical evidence proving that you meet the criteria. Doctors and other medical practitioners need to be carefully briefed about the definition involved and how the definition should to be interpreted.
Other evidence you may need include education, training and experience. You will need to show why you cannot perform any other past jobs that you have done previously that might be considered suitable.
Example: you may be physically and medically capable of working in an office-based role; however do you also have the ability and experience to obtain a job that is suitable to you? Other factors that may need to be considered are whether there is employment available where you live and if there are any other barriers that could be stopping you from getting a job.
Whilst you might be able to get a job, are you able to hold onto employment on an ongoing basis due to the injury or illness? If the answer is No, then you may still be entitled to claim for TPD.
To find out if you can claim TPD, call us on 13 43 63 or enquire online.
My claim is taking too long. What can I do?
How long is too long?
If you have lodged a TPD claim and the decision has been longer than 2 to 3 months get in touch with us. As a general rule of thumb decisions should not take longer than 2 to 3 months. If a decision is taking longer, a reason should be provided to you.
Legal representation is an advantage
If a decision about your claim is not made within a realistic time, you can issue court proceedings. Court proceedings can allow and force super fund to make the decision. You may also have the ability to claim interest on any delayed payment including the legal costs associated with initiating the proceedings.
Get in touch with us
Give our Superannuation team a call on 13 43 63 or contact us via our online enquiry form to discuss your matter promptly.