LegalReader.com  ·  Legal News, Analysis, & Commentary

Lawsuits & Litigation

A Comprehensive Guide to TPD Claims


— November 22, 2022

Before filing a TPD claim, a compensation lawyer studies the insurance policy definitions.


Total and permanent disability is referred to as TPD. A definition or criteria in insurance plans must be met to qualify for a lump sum insurance payment. Typically, victims can collect TPD payments using their superannuation funds. They may be eligible for this claim if they cannot work due to a sickness or injury. 

The filing of a claim can be time-consuming and frustrating. It naturally follows that increasing your chances of a successful TPD claim is accomplished by knowing the process or enlisting legal professionals’ help. 

Do You Have TPD Coverage? 

Your superannuation fund almost definitely has TPD coverage. Most people who have ever worked have at least one superannuation facility, and the majority of super funds provide insurance coverage. The eligibility for a TPD claim allows you the following:

  • You, your one family member, or a close friend (a beneficiary) may apply for a lump sum death benefit (either through a Will or a binding death benefit nomination). 
  • If an illness or accident prevents you from working again, you can file for this claim. 

Your superannuation fund’s insurance plan may also include income protection coverage. Income replacement during unemployment is made possible by income protection insurance. Some income protection insurance offers payouts for two, five, or even 65 years. 

There are scores of superannuation funds in Australia, and practically all have various insurance plans. Working and figuring out what advantages your superannuation fund might offer can take a lot of work. 

One of the most crucial things to understand when considering filing such a claim is that victims may still be eligible even if they quit working many years ago. So many folks have claims they could file but are unaware of their rights and don’t even realize they have them. 

Therefore, compensation attorneys can help determine if victims qualify for TPD benefits regardless of when they quit working.

What Definition Must Be Satisfied to Succeed in a Claim? 

The insurance policy includes a definition of TPD. The typical definition looks something like this: 

  • After leaving work, you don’t start working again for several months. 
  • You stopped working because of a disease or injury. 
  • You are uncertain (or unable) to ever resume employment in any occupation for which you are reasonably qualified by training, education, or experience after the waiting period is through. 

There may be a “retraining clause” in the TPD definition from time to time, which implies you must additionally demonstrate that you were still unable to find employment after reasonable retraining.

Importance of a Compensation Lawyer

Lawyer preparing a file; image by advogadoaguilar, via Pixabay.com.
Lawyer preparing a file; image by advogadoaguilar, via Pixabay.com.

Before filing a TPD claim, a compensation lawyer studies the insurance policy definitions. They complete the relevant paperwork on your behalf after studying the policies and determining that you are qualified to file a claim. These professionals make arrangements for ATO, Centrelink, and Medicare to file forms and provide papers to your treating physicians and most recent employer. 

The application to the fund for evaluation is submitted on your behalf after collecting all necessary forms and documentation. The fund then performs its examination and renders a judgement on your claim, which might end all the stress you had to deal with due to the accident.

So now that folks know all the crucial information regarding this matter, they can easily seek help from an expert injury lawyer to get the entitled compensation. 

Join the conversation!