Experiencing a total and permanent disability (TPD) can be a life-altering event, leaving you grappling with the challenges of adjusting to a new reality. Financial compensation is just one aspect of the support required during this difficult transition, but many other aspects of support and resources can make a significant difference in the lives of TPD claimants.
Overview of Total & Permanent Disability (TPD)
Total and Permanent Disability is a debilitating injury or illness that prevents someone from working. Total Permanent Disability Insurance is a must to protect you in the event of one of these injuries or illnesses.
It covers physical injuries such as paralysation and limb loss or loss of speech or hearing. However, mental health conditions, such as depression, PTSD, and anxiety are also covered by Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) Insurance. Other illnesses covered by Total Permanent Disability in Super include Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, cancer, and chronic lung diseases. Individual TPD Insurance payouts depend on the policy, and compensation is dependent on the illness and your coverage.
Different funds use different definitions. Typically, TPD in super uses definitions such as ceasing work due to injury or illness, being unable to work for at least three/six months and being unlikely to return to any occupation at the end of that period. That’s the type of work-based definition TPD policies use to assess whether to pay out a Permanent Disability Work Cover claim. When it comes to stand-alone TPD policies or non-super funds, they generally use the same definitions, but in addition to any occupation, some policies include their own occupation.
Financial Support & Compensation
If you are suffering from an illness or injury preventing you from returning to work, you may be eligible to make Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) claims against your TPD insurance in Super or any private policies you hold.
Your injury or illness does not have to be work-related for your TPD claim to be successful. However, you do need to meet the criteria laid out in your policy before you make a claim, a lawyer can help you navigate the process and ensure you receive the payout you are entitled to.
You have to prove you are unable to complete everyday work activities, which typically include getting in and out of a chair, communicating unassisted, bending, kneeling, carrying, and walking 200 metres. However, this depends on your illness or injury and the policy you hold. Certain illnesses or injuries are separate from those restrictions, such as mental illness, dementia, MS, and similar diseases. The insurance company will require detailed medical evidence.
The financial payout is a lump sum and can be used to pay off medical debt, pay bills, support your family, or address any other financial concerns you may have.
Rehabilitation & Disability Services
There is a wide range of programs you can seek out for rehabilitation support, whether it’s occupational or physical therapy, an assistive device or mobility aid. The NDIS can also provide financial support to adapt your home to your new situation. In addition, the NDIS also works with people to gain more independence, gain new skills and helps create connections to support groups, community groups, and more. Government entities and insurers can also provide rehabilitation.
Mental Health & Emotional Support
Mental health support is an important part of the puzzle for TPD claimants, whether the illness is mental or otherwise. A life-changing injury or illness is stressful, it can be difficult to cope with the emotions that come with those changes. Mental health support is vital to adjusting to your new normal and it’s useful whether you are dealing with acute emotional distress or lingering feelings of anxiety.
Community groups, support groups, and counselling services are available through Government Agencies, as well as the NDIS scheme.
Advocacy Groups & Disability Organisations
Disability organisations like People With Disability Australia can provide a range of resources and services to help you advocate for your needs. They represent people with all types of disability and provide a wide range of services, programs, and activities to help. They can provide you with resources, and information, and point you in the right direction to obtain legal advice, community support, and services you may need.
Financial Planning & Benefits Advice
Financial planning is important for everyone, but it’s particularly important if you are coping with a life-changing illness or injury. If you cannot return to work, you need to balance the TPD payout along with any other benefits you may receive, as well as dealing with your medical debt and everyday costs and bills.
A TPD payout from a non-super policy is taxable, so you also have to factor this into the equation. A TPD payout from a super policy is tax-free. You should take advice on how to take appropriate financial planning steps.
How AJB Stevens Can Help
As experts in Total and Permanent Disability Claims, the team at AJB Stevens can provide you with the guidance and support you need to file a successful claim. The process can be complicated, and it is imperative that you provide comprehensive evidence to support your claim. We can help you gather the necessary information to ensure your claim is airtight. AJB Stevens is proud to fight for your rights and help you receive the compensation you so rightly deserve.
