To successfully claim your TPD benefits, you must meet the criteria outlined in your disability insurance policy. Then you must submit a completed application demonstrating how you meet those criteria. However, just because you meet the requirements does not guarantee that your claim will be approved. Sometimes, insurance companies reject claims simply because the claim lodgment lacks compelling evidence. As such, many insurance claims fail.

In this article, we discuss your essential steps to successfully file a TPD claim, including advice from our expert solicitors on how to get your TPD lump sum payout.

Can I have a TPD Claim?

When you have been out of employment for three or more months because of an injury, illness or psychological disorder, and there’s no chance of you returning to your usual job, then it’s likely that you could be entitled to a TPD payment. However, your right to claim your disability insurance benefits will rely on the terms and conditions of your coverage. You will likely need a skilled TPD claim lawyer to help you understand your options.

How do I start my TPD Claim?

A successful TPD claim begins by advising your superannuation provider of your intention to file a case. They will send you a claim lodgment form which will trigger an analysis of your circumstances. You must provide convincing evidence of your medical condition or psychiatric disorder and attack a document outlining why they should payout your claim.

After this, your case will be sent to your TPD insurance company which will follow a similar process. Getting an outcome can take up to six months, depending on the complexity and nature of your claim.

Steps to a successful TPD Payout

1: Locating Your Super TPD Insurance Policies.

To claim your benefits, you need to find your TPD policies. Some Australians have contributed to more than one superannuation fund, and they could make multiple TPD insurance claims. Your super statements will outline the insurances you hold, so collate these ready for your lawyer to review. Alternatively, your legal team will usually investigate your policies for free once you sign an agreement.

2: Determine if your TPD cover was valid at the time you acquired your injury or illness

When you lodge a TPD claim against an insurance policy, it must be current when you acquired your illness or injury. If your medical condition developed over time, please check the date you initially knew about your disability or disorder.

3: Know your TPD policy terms and conditions

To have a winning TPD benefit payout, you must know your t’s and c’s. Disability insurance coverage varies significantly in its claim requirements, particularly its definition of can’t work anymore. For example, yours will likely be either)

Can’t return to a job in your usual occupation
Can’t return to a position in any occupation
It will be easier for you to have a successful claim if your definition is: can’t work in your usual occupation. For people in this group, you could receive a payout and then get a new job in a different industry.

Step 4: Lodge a precise claim with compelling evidence supporting your physical or mental condition

When lodging a TPD claim, you must remember that insurers are only obliged to pay out once they’ve received all the documentation supporting your claim. So make sure you provide them with everything they need. You should also ensure that any documents you send are appropriately scanned and saved so you can easily access them later.

An experienced insurance claims lawyer will gather all the relevant documentation needed for your disability insurance claim and ensure they are submitted correctly.

Step 5: Attach a detailed letter outlining your reasons for claim approval.

People making insurance claims often need to pay more attention to explaining why their case should be approved, which is a required part of a successful claim request. Failure to provide this document generally results in a denial of benefits. A well-written application will determine why your circumstances meet the requirements outlined in your TPD insurance coverage and should include supporting evidence such as medical records, receipts, photos, etc. Experienced TPD claims solicitors review thousands of these applications each year, so they know how to get the best possible outcome in your case.

Step 6: Ensure the insurance company has all they require from you.

Chase your insurer when submitting your claim, so there are no barriers and frustrations in your TPD insurance claim processing. Your insurance company will not necessarily contact you if something is missing. They are in no hurry to release your funds.

Step 7: Follow the appeal procedure for rejected claims

Your TPD claim is not over if your case is denied. You can ask them to review their decision. You may need to provide more or better-quality evidence to reverse your outcome.

Conclusion

You usually only get one chance to successfully claim your TPD benefits. So be sure that it is your best shot by following the seven steps outlined above