Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) insurance policies provide a lump sum payout to Australians who cannot continue working after an illness or injury. But can you work after a TPD payout?
The simple answer is yes, but there are things to consider before you can return to work after a TPD payout. These things include the fact that terms and conditions in TPD insurance policies will differ with every different super fund and insurer.
Understand and Interpret Your TPD Policy
The most important thing about your Total and Permanent Disability policy is understanding that many TPD policy terms differ between insurers and between policies. Returning to work after a TPD payout may be allowed under the TPD policy in your superannuation fund and your situation, but it may not. To find out, you need to be able to interpret the terms and definitions contained in your policy (or TPD policies) so you know if you need to repay any TPD benefit you’ve received and if you can go back to work.
Returning to Work After a TPD Payout
To reiterate, when you make a Total and Permanent Disability claim for benefits, it’s important to understand the terms of your TPD policy or policies. This is where you need TPD lawyers like those at The TPD Helpline to help you navigate the confusion.
The definitions of total permanent disability are in two categories:
- You are unlikely to be able to go back to work in your occupation.
- You are unlikely to be able to go back to work in any occupation.
In a nutshell, you don’t automatically have to be unfit for all work to make a successful TPD claim in Australia.
You’re Unlikely to be Fit For ‘Your Occupation’
So, say you received a payout from a TPD claim due to an injury or illness and were unable to work under ‘your occupation’ definitions. That means you were eligible to claim since you couldn’t work in the occupation that suited your training and experience.
For example, if you’re a qualified plumber and you suffer a back injury that stops you from doing your usual work, you can make Total and Permanent Disability claims for a lump sum, total and permanent disability benefit through your TPD policy. Your back injury may not prevent you from retraining and working, e.g., in an office job.
So, if your policy has this kind of definition, you are likely to be able to work again after your successful TPD claim and payout.
You’re Unlikely to be Fit For ‘Any Occupation’
Say your TPD claim is successful and pays a benefit because you cannot work in any occupation. This means you’re only eligible to claim on your TPD insurance for a benefit if your injury or illness stops you—not only from working in your own occupation—but also from retraining and working in any other occupation.
For instance, if you’ve developed a mental illness that prevents you from going to work at all, you would be entitled to Total and Permanent Disability claims for a lump sum payout.
You Recover Unexpectedly From Your TPD, What Then?
For instance, you come across a new treatment that leads to an improvement in your condition after your TPD payout. The question becomes, if the treatment improves your back injury and makes it possible for you to return to some sort of employment, can you do so? Yes, usually, even if you’ve received a lump sum TPD payout.
In this scenario, it’s highly unlikely that you’d be expected to repay the lump sum TPD benefit, provided the information you’ve given is accurate and true. But always speak to your lawyer to determine what would happen in your TPD claims situation.
How To Find Out What TPD Policy You Have
You are not alone if you can’t understand your TPD policy. It’s very complicated, especially if you have multiple superannuation funds and different TPD policies. However, if this is the case, you may be able to make multiple TPD benefit claims. Call the TPD Helpline so we can help you interpret your policy.
Get Help From the TPD Helpline
Before lodging a Total and Permanent Disability claim or giving up trying to understand your Total and Permanent Disability insurance policy, speak with one of our experienced personal injury lawyers. We’ve helped countless people win successful TPD claims and a lump sum benefit. We can help you claim full TPD benefits and lump sum payments for your Total and Permanent Disability claim.
We can help you interpret your TPD policy, so you know if and when you can return to work after your TPD payout. Seek professional advice here, call 1300 679 222 or email tpdhelpline@gmail.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I work after receiving a TPD payout?
In most cases, yes. However, it depends on your TPD insurance policy’s specific terms and conditions. Some policies may allow you to retrain and return to work, while others may not.
2. What happens if I recover unexpectedly after receiving a TPD payout?
If you recover and can return to work after receiving a TPD payout, it’s unlikely that you’ll be required to repay the lump sum benefit, provided the information you provided is accurate and true. However, it’s always best to consult a TPD lawyer to understand your situation.
3. How long does a TPD claim take?
The duration of a TPD claim process can vary depending on the complexity of your case and the insurer’s response time. Receiving a payout can take anywhere from a few months to over a year.
4. How much do lawyers charge for TPD claims?
Lawyers’ fees for TPD claims can vary depending on the law firm and the complexity of your case. Some lawyers may work on a ‘no win, no fee’ basis, meaning you only pay if your claim is successful. It’s essential to discuss fees and payment structures with your lawyer before engaging in their services.
