Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) insurance is a type of disability insurance which provides a lump sum payment where a person, because of an injury or an illness, is permanently prevented from returning to work within their education, training, or experience. The injury or illness does not have to be caused within the workplace.
Disability insurance can be commonly found through:
Whether you are eligible to make a claim for disability insurance depends on the specific wording on your insurance policy and your individual circumstances. A copy of your insurance policy can be requested from your Superannuation Fund or Insurer, or you can contact one of our experienced lawyers at AH2 Legal to conduct an investigation into your disability insurance entitlements.
Most workers are covered for Total and Permanent Disability insurance through the superannuation fund contributions made by their employer. In fact, you may have more than one Total and Permanent Disability policy if you are a member of more than one superfund. In addition, you might also be covered by a policy you, or your employer, specifically purchased, such as a life insurance policy.
If you become ill or suffer an injury which affects your ability to return to work then the benefit (or benefits) become payable. You do not have to show that someone was at fault to make a Total and Permanent Disability claim. Or that you cannot do any work at all – just that you cannot do the job you have training and experience for.
Many people are not aware that they have Total and Permanent Disability benefits available through their superannuation or insurance policies and insurers are not always forthcoming in handing over benefits.
It is important to note that even if you have a workers compensation claim or a compensation claim from a motor vehicle accident, you might also be able to claim a Total and Permanent Disability benefit. A superannuation Total and Permanent Disability claim in these circumstances is in addition to any claim through, for example, a workers compensation scheme or a motor vehicle accident scheme.
Unlike compensation claims, the time limits regarding Total and Permanent Disability claims are very different. You are probably still able to claim even if you stopped work over a decade ago. So if you have suffered from an injury and are unsure if you are able to make a claim – then please contact one of our experienced lawyers at AH2 Legal for a consultation to access your case and to advise you on your best course of action.
