What is TPD (total and permanent disability)?
TPD is a term used to describe a serious injury or illness that leaves a person unable to work on a long-term or indefinite basis.
When a person is considered to be permanently disabled, they may be able to claim TPD insurance benefits through their superannuation fund. This is a lump sum payment that can help them to maintain their quality of life.
The specific TPD definition varies between insurers, but having an experienced lawyer on your side helps. Generally you must be working at the time of your disablement and be assessed by a medical practitioner as unable to return to work in any capacity to be eligible for TBD benefits.
What is considered a total and permanent disability?
In Australia, TPD is commonly defined as an injury or illness that results in a person being unable to work in their usual occupation or any other form of employment for which they are reasonably suited by training, education or experience.
Total and permanent disabilities can be caused by a wide range of conditions, including physical disabilities, chronic illnesses and more. There is no specific list of what qualifies as total and permanent disability, but some examples that may be covered by TPD insurance claims include:
- Severe burns
- Amputation
- Blindness
- Paralysis
- Cancer
- Brain injuries
You could still be classed as permanently disabled even when your condition does not prevent normal bodily function. You only need to satisfy the specific wording on your insurance policy. For example, some policies may consider you to be TPD if you’re unable to return to your job after a certain period of time, while others may only consider you TPD if you’re unable to work in any occupation.
Some policies also cover conditions that may not be immediately life-threatening but are expected to result in death within 12 months, such as terminal cancer. If you are unsure whether you meet the total and permanent disability definition, contact an experienced TPD lawyer such as ourselves. Chat with one of our lawyers today at no cost or obligation on 1800 958 498.
What happens if I’ve suffered total and permanent disablement?
You may be able to make a claim for total and permanent disability insurance benefits, to help cover your medical and rehabilitation costs, as well as any ongoing living expenses. This type of insurance cover is typically included with your superannuation, but it can also be purchased as part of a life insurance policy.
The TPD insurance benefit is provided as a lump sum payment. It can help with things like medical expenses, income replacement, and home care. The total payout amount will depend on how much cover is included in your policy. If you have more than one super fund you may even have multiple policies available.
It is important to note that TPD cover is different from income protection insurance, which only covers a portion of your income. Total or permanent disability insurance covers you for the total amount of your income, up to a certain limit.
A total permanent disablement claim is likely to be successful if you can show that you’ve suffered a significant impairment that prevents you from working in any capacity, no matter what the condition is or how it occurred.
How do I make a claim for total and permanent disability (TPD) insurance?
The first step is to find out if you are eligible is just to get in touch with our lawyers. We’ll help you make a disability insurance or superannuation claim by reviewing your policies. Many people don’t realise they have TPD cover included with their super fund. Our specialist TPD lawyers can investigate your entitlements with our no win no fee guarantee and then assist you moving forward if you have a reasonable basis for claiming TPD.
In order to make a successful TPD claim, we will help you to prove that your injuries or illness are so severe that you will never be able to return to work. This can include a medical certificate from your doctor or specialist, as well as identification from your employer confirming that you are not currently working. You must also be under 67 years of age at the time of becoming injured or having an illness.
Making a TPD claim can be a complicated process and most claims take between 6 to 18 months. If your claim is successful, you will receive a lump sum payment that can be used to cover any costs associated with your condition, such as rehabilitation costs and income replacement. If your claim is unsuccessful, we can appeal the decision for you, however strict time limits apply so it is important to contact us as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected. Feel free to use our TPD claim checker at the top or bottom of this page for a quick assessment.
With The Personal Injury Lawyers, your TPD insurance claim is in great hands
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