Total Permanent Disability (TPD) Insurance is often tied to your superannuation fund and it provides you with cover if an illness or injury prevents you from returning to work. It can compensate you for bills and costs related to medical care and fund future living expenses. It gives you one less thing to worry about while you are trying to focus on your health. The payment in most cases is a lump sum payment.
What is a TPD Insurance Claim?
Total Permanent Disability Insurance is there if you need it – the majority of super funds provide a basic level of cover. However, you can also pursue separate cover if you feel it is appropriate. A claim is necessary if you have a total and permanent disability that prevents you from working.
Your payout depends on your cover. You may be able to cover medical costs, pay for modifying your car or home for your new living circumstances, and cover future expenses. If you cannot work due to an illness or injury, then you can make a claim. If your policy offers income protection, then this will provide you with monthly benefits to cover your loss of wages while you are incapacitated.
There is supporting evidence you need to ensure your claim is successful. At a minimum, you need to show you are unable to work in your current position and unable to work in positions you have qualifications in, that you may have done in the past. Additionally, you must show that based on your experience, education or training, you are unable to take another position. Depending on your cover, you may need to prove your injury or illness is such that you cannot be retrained in another job or industry. Ultimately, every fund comes with different entitlements, and there are different thresholds to meet. This is why it’s so important to use a lawyer to navigate the process.
What Can You Claim For?
The cause of your injury or illness is not important to your claim, it does not need to be a work-related issue. It’s payable for any injury or illness that prevents you from working. You can claim for chronic illnesses, such as cancer, strokes, mental health issues, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, renal failure; and autoimmune diseases, such as fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Psychological injury may also allow you to qualify for TPD. Provided you have the doctor’s notes and medical evidence to support your claim, a lawyer can help you pursue it. Generally, people who have support from their doctors, as well as lawyers on their side, are successful in their claims process.
Benefits of Making a Claim with The Help of a Lawyer
While you don’t technically need to use a lawyer for Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) claims, there is a lot of paperwork involved in the process. More importantly, using a lawyer will provide you with access to professionals who will find any valid TPD insurance in super funds across employers.
There are different levels of cover, and you may have active cover elsewhere that is more appropriate for your situation. It takes a lot of work to track these down, and you have enough on your shoulders. The insurance company and superannuation funds rely on the professional advice of lawyers so they know how to handle your claim. It benefits you to do the same.
· Expert Advice
Lawyers have experience in dealing with a variety of insurance claims and various superannuation funds, which means using a lawyer provides you with expert advice. A lawyer has a deeper understanding of what paperwork, evidence, and documentation will help support your claim. Lawyers know what can be used in a claim, and what can’t, which means your claim will be processed as quickly as possible.
The paperwork can be overwhelming – it takes time, as well as mental and physical energy to navigate the process. This can add pressure to your shoulders on top of focusing on recovery. A legal team will manage all of that for you.
· Protect Your Rights
A lawyer can help you navigate the policy jargon so you know your rights. Lawyers know what you can and can’t claim based on your policy. Many TPD insurance claims are rejected, but a lot of people don’t realise there’s a right to challenge rejections. A lawyer can help you ensure your claim is accepted the first time, but if it isn’t, they can handle your appeal.
· Court
In some cases, the TPD claims process leads to court. It’s a daunting prospect, but if you have a lawyer, they will handle it every step of the way.
How AJB Stevens Can Help
If you need permanent disability work cover, we offer a no-win, no-fee service for compensation cases. Reach out to AJB Stevens for help pursuing total permanent disability in super funds. Our team of experts can help you receive the compensation you deserve by ensuring all of your paperwork is in order and tracking down any existing policies you have.
