Can’t work due to illness or injury? You may be eligible for Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) insurance. It’s a lump sum payment when you can’t work again, and is often included in your superannuation or as a separate policy.
So, how do you lodge a TPD claim? It seems scary, but doesn’t have to be. An experienced TPD lawyer will guide you through the whole process and do all the hard work for you.
The best way to manage your TPD claim is to get an experienced TPD lawyer on board early. At Wyatts, we will do everything for you – from getting medical evidence and paperwork to talking to the insurer.
We take the stress out of the claims process, making sure all necessary documentation is provided to support your claim, including medical reports, work history and any additional evidence needed to maximise your claim.
However, before you start a TPD claim, you need to be informed. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps you (or your lawyer) will take – from checking your cover to submitting your claim.
Step 1: Check Your TPD Insurance Cover
First things first, check if you have TPD insurance. This can be in your superannuation policy, as part of your employment benefits or as a standalone insurance policy.
Go through your documents or contact your superannuation fund to see if you’re covered. Check the definition of “total and permanent disability” in your policy, as it’s different for each insurer.
Step 2: Gather Your Medical Evidence
One of the most important parts of your TPD claim is the medical evidence.
Your insurer will need to see that your disability meets their definition of “total and permanent”. This usually means providing medical reports, tests and other documents from your health professionals that support your condition. We can help you get these records if you need to.
We may also require you to attend a medical assessment to examine you and provide a supportive report to strengthen your TPD claim.
Understand the TPD Claims Process
The TPD claims process takes a bit of time and varies slightly with insurers, but generally follows these steps:
- Fill out a Claim Form: You’ll need to fill out a claim form from your insurer or superannuation fund. The form will ask for details about your condition, how it’s affected your ability to work and other relevant information.
- Supply Supporting Documents: You must supply supporting documents with your claim form, such as medical records, evidence of work history and a letter from your doctor. We can get these for you if you need them.
- Insurer’s Assessment: Once you’ve submitted your claim, your insurer will review all your documents. This can take a few weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of your claim.
- Decision: After reviewing your case, the insurer will make a decision. They may approve your claim and pay out or deny it if they don’t think you meet their definition of total and permanent disability.
Step 4: Provide a Work History
Your insurer will ask for a work history, including how your disability has affected your ability to do your usual job. This can include letters from your employer, performance reviews or other relevant documents.
Be thorough here and give as much detail as possible.
Step 5: Be Prepared for Medical Assessments
Sometimes your insurer may require you to undergo an independent medical examination (IME). This assessment helps the insurer get a second opinion on your condition. We can get these records for you if you need them.
While it may seem scary, remember these assessments are part of the claims process and are usually required to determine the severity of your disability.
Step 6: Follow Up on Your Claim
Once your claim is submitted, follow up regularly. Insurance companies can take time to process claims, so it’s worth checking in to see if everything is on track.
If there’s any missing information or documentation, make sure to get it to them promptly to avoid delays.
Step 7: Get Professional Help If Needed
The TPD claims process isn’t always straightforward, and you may hit roadblocks along the way.
If your claim is complex or you’re not sure about any part of the process, it’s a good idea to get professional help. Insurance claim specialists can guide you through the process, make sure you meet deadlines and help you get the best possible outcome.
Step 8: What If My Claim Is Denied?
Sometimes insurers will deny a TPD claim even if you think you’re entitled to compensation. If this happens, you have options. You can resubmit, request an internal review or even sue if needed. It’s not ideal, but it’s not the end of the road—there’s hope.
Start a Claim with Expert TPD Lawyers
Starting a TPD claim in Australia can be overwhelming but with the right information and preparation, you can make the process easier. Always make sure you understand your policy, gather strong medical evidence and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
At Wyatts, we have a team of superannuation lawyers who will take your TPD claim. From checking your eligibility to submitting your claim, we will be with you every step of the way.
Call our TPD lawyers today to get the compensation you deserve for your injury or illness.
