Total and permanent disability (TPD) is an insurance claim made when you are unable to work, offering regular income to cover your bills and any medical bills. This benefit is tricky to apply for, especially if you don’t know if you qualify. This is why you need a TPD lawyer who can check your eligibility and guide you through the process, helping you get your TPD. Each lawyer will have a slightly different process, but you can expect claiming for TPD to follow the steps outlined in today’s brief guide.
Step 1 – Check that you can make a TPD insurance claim
First, you need to check that you are eligible to make a TPD claim. You need to be totally and permanently disabled and unable to work with your injury or illness. Any disability you have is expected to remain for the rest of your life, too.
TPD claims fall into two different categories: occupational and non-occupational claims. Occupational claims are made when your injury was caused by your job or happened at work and has left you unable to return to work. Non-occupational claims are made when you were injured outside of your job, but are left unable to return to work. You might also be able to claim for TPD if you have one of the following conditions:
- Chronic illnesses – that prevent you from working, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer
- Mental health conditions – that stop you from working, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD
- Physical injuries – that prevent you from working, including brain injuries, back injuries, and neck injuries
- Pregnancy – if your pregnancy prevents you from working
- Death – you might receive benefits as the spouse or a child of someone who died from their injuries
A TPD lawyer can help you determine if you are eligible for TPD and help you with your claim, providing any support and guidance you might need.
Step 2 – Seek legal advice
Next, you will want to seek legal advice from a TPD lawyer. They will have experience handling TPD claims and can ensure that your paperwork is completed correctly, ensuring you have provided the right information for a successful TPD claim. TPD lawyers can also make the process less stressful, allowing you to focus on your health instead of worrying about finances.
Step 3 – Notify your insurer
When you have a lawyer in place and know that you are eligible for a claim, you need to notify your insurer that you intend to make a TPD claim. This is usually provided in writing or over the phone, although some insurers will have a preference on which you provide. Make sure that you check this before notifying them.
Step 4 – Receive your TPD forms
Your insurer will provide you with TPD forms that you can complete. There is typically a time frame that your insurer needs to provide these forms, and you can check this with them when you submit your intent to make a claim.
Step 5 – Complete TPD forms with legal assistance
After receiving your forms, you will want to complete them with your lawyer. Your lawyer will help you ensure that the information you are entering is correct and that there is enough evidence for a successful claim. You might be required to use medical reports, medical bills, and any other proof that shows you are unable to work and will need this benefit to survive.
Step 6 – Insurer assesses your claim
Your insurer will assess the claim once the forms have been completed to ensure that you are making a justified claim and deserve TPD. To validate your claims, they might use your medical reports to match up the information on the form with what doctors have said. If you have an occupational claim, they might also speak to your employer to ensure the information is correct.
Step 7 – Insurer presents their decision
You will be informed when your insurer has made a decision about your TPD claim and whether you have been successful or not. If your claim is successful, you will be paid a lump sum. If it is rejected, you have an opportunity to appeal, and your lawyer can guide you through this.
Find your TPD lawyer today
When making a TPD claim, we recommend hiring a lawyer to guide you through the process and increase your chances of a successful claim. Smith’s Lawyers is a team of expert TPD lawyers who can walk you through the process, offering support, and ensuring that you provide all the information you need for a successful claim. Contact these Brisbane-based TPD lawyers to start your claim today.