If injury or illness has left you permanently unable to work, you need help — fast. That’s where TPD insurance comes in. A TPD benefit can provide lump sum compensation to help alleviate the financial pressure that comes with not working. Unfortunately, securing a TPD benefit is not as simple as having your policy and making a claim. You must meet all your policy requirements, including its definition of TPD.
The difference between ‘own occupation’ and ‘any occupation’ in TPD
‘Any occupation’ TPD policies
Under an ‘any occupation’ TPD policy, you can usually only claim a benefit if you’re unlikely to ever work again in any job you’re reasonably suited to based on your education, training, or experience.
To make a successful claim, you’ll need evidence showing that your condition prevents you from working in a suitable role. This may include:
- Permanent care requirements.
- Inability to travel.
- Continuous mobility issues.
- Living too far away from suitable work.
‘Any occupation’ policies are notoriously strict, and without sufficient evidence, your claim may be denied. If your super fund or insurer has already rejected your claim, our complete guide to rejected TPD claims has all the information you need to appeal the decision. Alternatively, call us today for free advice on your TPD claim.
‘Own occupation’ TPD policies
An ‘own occupation’ TPD policy means you may be able to claim a payout if your injury or illness prevents you from returning to your specific job at the time you became disabled.
You may still be able to work in a different job and still qualify for a TPD benefit.
For example, imagine you’re a labourer who seriously injures your back. Doctors say you can’t return to physical labour, but you may still be able to work in an office. If you have an ‘own occupation’ policy, you may still qualify for a TPD payout even if you later retrain for a desk job.
What is my policy’s definition of TPD?
Take a look at your policy to find its definition of TPD. Each policy defines TPD slightly differently, so it’s important to know the exact definition that applies to your claim.
If you’re not sure about your policy type (or need some help figuring it out), our expert TPD lawyers are here to assist. In a free consultation, we’ll investigate your policy and its definition of TPD.
Could I have more than one TPD policy?
Yes, it’s possible to have multiple TPD policies if you hold cover with more than one super fund or insurer.
In fact, you may not even realise you have multiple TPD policies. This most commonly happens if you’ve changed jobs over the years and haven’t ‘consolidated’ your super into one account.
If you do have multiple policies, you may be able to claim with each fund or insurer for the same illness or injury. However, it’s important to remember that every policy has its own conditions and definitions. Success with one claim does not automatically mean you’ll be successful with other claims.
If you have more than one TPD policy, speak to a specialised lawyer before starting your claims. Managing multiple claims can be challenging, and without the right legal advice, you might not get the payouts you deserve.
Can I return to work after receiving a TPD payout?
Generally speaking, you cannot return to work after receiving a TPD payout. However, some policies may allow you to resume work in special circumstances.
In some cases, people receive a TPD payout and later return to work because:
- Their condition improves over time.
- They retrain and move into a different type of job.
- They find work that better suits their limitations.
This is more common with ‘own occupation’ policies, where the test is whether you can return to your specific job, not whether you can work in any job at all.
It’s absolutely vital that you do not return to work unless your policy allows you to. Resuming work without a valid reason can put your TPD benefit at risk. To find out more, check out our comprehensive guide on returning to work after a TPD claim.
How a TPD lawyer can help with your claim
To make a successful TPD claim, it’s essential to understand how your policy defines TPD. This involves more than just reading the policy: you’ll need to interpret its terms and meet all your super fund or insurer’s requirements. It’s a complex process, but we’re here to make it simple for you.
Our TPD lawyers have the experience to fully investigate your policy and ensure you fit within its definition of TPD. We’ll also compile strong evidence supporting your claim, handle all negotiations, and challenge any evidence from your fund or insurer.
Plus, with our No Win No Fee guarantee, your claim is completely risk-free. We cover all upfront costs, like doctor’s visits and expert reports, and there’s nothing to pay until we win your case. If we’re unsuccessful, you will never get a bill from us.
Speak to us today for free, comprehensive advice on your TPD claim. Find out what type of policy you have and how to secure your full benefit as quickly as possible.
