TPD – Total Permanent Disability Insurance

Total and Permanent Disability or TPD insurance is available through a regular insurance company or superannuation funds. Super funds’ TPD insurance is called a disability insurance benefit which is part of the contributions made by your employer or yourself. The TPD insurance helpline can assist with the information you need.

1300 679 222

Many people either forget this insurance is there for them or they are unaware of it. If you are permanently disabled, TPD insurance benefits can cover medical and rehabilitation costs, debts, a mortgage or other financial losses and living expenses. The TPD helpline is available for injured workers to make sure they get a fair hearing of their case.

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What is TPD insurance, and what does it cover?

Permanent disability TPD insurance covers you for a workplace injury or illness. If you make a successful claim, the fund may pay you a lump sum if you are totally and permanently disabled due to the injury or illness. TPD insurance generally covers you for the following:

Back, shoulder and knee injuries or traumatic brain injuries and hand injuries:

Any injury that has a detrimental impact on your ability to work in your usual capacity can be a reason to make a TPD claim.

Be aware that the definition of what is considered a total and permanent disability may differ from one insurer to the next, for instance, if you can’t work in your own occupation or any occupation again.

Your own occupation:

Due to your disablement from the injury or illness, you cannot return to the job you had before the incident. This type of TPD insurance cover is more costly and is typically available only in the traditional insurance market rather than in super.

Any occupation:

Your disability is such that you cannot ever work again in any job suited to your experience, training or education. This cover is less expensive but is less likely to pay out due to the higher threshold to claim.

Activities of daily living:

The activities of daily living assessment is another way insurance providers can decide whether you can claim your TPD insurance. If you are unable to perform everyday tasks such as showering or bathing, toileting, dressing, walking or feeding.

How much TPD insurance do I need?

When deciding how much permanent disability TPD insurance you need, or if you need it at all, consider what you would do to cover your living expenses if you could never work again due to a permanent disability. The gap between any saleable items or investments that may cover your costs, the help from family etc., and health insurance for medical expenses, is how much TPD insurance you may need.

1300 679 222

Changes to TPD definition in Australia – what does this mean for you?

For many Australians claiming a lump sum payment, the new definition of what qualifies as total and permanent disability or TPD in some insurance policies now requires a further assessment. Now, the new definition may include whether the disabled person can reasonably retrain or re-skill despite their illness or injury. The new TPD definitions also require injured workers to prove they are so disabled that they can never undertake any meaningful work again. And the changes have increased the cost of necessary and appropriate occupation and medical evidence to prove a case. It can cost some injured workers around $5,000. People with TPD insurance policies and members of all the Superannuation funds should check their insurance’s terms and conditions and seek advice or change insurers if they’re not satisfied. Before you choose which TPD cover is right for you, or if you are unable to work, it’s a good idea to seek professional advice. Such advice can be from TPD specialist lawyers or a trusted financial adviser.

1300 679 222

What criteria must I meet to lodge a successful TPD claim?

Depending on your insurance cover’s terms and conditions, the criteria you must meet to lodge a successful TPD claim and qualify for benefits may include showing that you are permanently unfit for your usual employment or any other employment. Your medical history and other records and information will have to be assessed.

Most TPD definitions are similar, but different and subtle changes can affect the insurer’s decision. However, the standard TPD definition commonly runs as follows:

You stopped work due to illness or injury.
You have not returned to work for a waiting period of several months after you stopped work.
At the end of the waiting period, you are unable or unlikely to ever return to work in any occupation that you are reasonably suited to by experience, education or training.

The TPD definition may include a “retraining clause”. If so, you must show that even if your disability is such that you have been able to undergo retraining, you still cannot return to work.

Can I claim TPD from my Superannuation insurance?

If TPD insurance coverage is provided under your superannuation insurance contract, then you can claim disability benefit. Some super TPD policies may pay you a TPD benefit if you cannot return to your “usual” occupation or duties, but you are now working in a different field. For more information, contact the TPD helpline today.

Get in touch

Let us know know about your requirements

Phone

1300 679 222

Email

info@tpdhelpline.com.au

TPD Helpline Australia can be contacted on 1300 679 222. Our helpline reps are well versed in all things related to TPD claims, injury compensation claims, health conditions, illnesses and injuries whether sustained at work or not. If there is an issue we can’t answer over the phone, we have access to a mountain of resources so that we can call you back within the day to provide answers.

Due to time differences across states, we recommend leaving a voicemail if your call is not answered. We promise to return your call within the day taking note of time differences. Our phone helpline is manned Monday to Friday, 8.30am – 5.00pm (AEST). Our Facebook social media page is manned 7 days a week and we respond to direct messages quickly. In fact, most of our enquiries come via Facebook private chat.