How Do I Make A Total and Permanent Disability Claim?

If you need to make a TPD claim through your insurance provider, there are certain steps you need to follow. 

  1. Contact your insurance provider. Make them aware of your decision to claim for TPD and get information about what the next steps are. Your insurance provider should give you details on what information they need from you at this time. 
  2. Submit your claim. This may be a lengthy process depending on what information is needed and what information you already have to support your claim. We recommend submitting your claim with legal advice, so that there is someone professionally trained to help you through this process. Certain information, such as medical reports, employer information and bank statements, for example, should be included with your claim. Your claims assessor should keep you updated with any progress your case makes, and let you know if any further information is required. 
  3. Your claim is assessed. The insurer will decide if you are eligible for a claim. It should be noted that it is entirely dependent on the insurance provider’s own policy as to whether your claim will be successful or not. TPD is not governed by state or federal law. 
  4. An initial decision is made. After assessing your application for a claim, your insurance provider will either accept, delay or decline your claim. 
  5. Respond. If your claim is rejected initially, you may be given a time-frame to provide more information or appeal the decision. It is wise to seek legal advice when doing so. 

What Makes a Mental Health Condition Eligible For a TPD Claim? 

It generally isn’t easy to make a Total and Permanent Disability claim for mental illness. However, if you think you have a right to claim, then you should do so. There are certain factors that can make your claim easier to process, such as if you are undergoing regular treatment with a healthcare professional and following a detailed treatment plan. This is because it will help prove that you are currently suffering an ongoing mental health issue. 

As with physical injuries, not all TPD insurance providers will support all types of TPD mental health claims. However, the most common mental health claims include:

  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD is most commonly experienced by people who are exposed to traumatic events. Often, it is associated with careers within medical services or the armed forces, but if you have witnessed a traumatic event or gone through a period of trauma, you could suffer from it too.
  • Depression. Depression, in its severest forms, can make it impossible for a person to function properly, hold down a job or even leave their home.
  • Anxiety. Anxiety can cause breathing difficulties, sweating and heart palpitations. 

It is hard to prove that your mental health is a total and permanent case, but providing you have the right documentation to back your claim, you should make one if you are entitled to do so. Mental health is becoming an increasing reason for TPD claims, with these making up 25% of claims in 2019.  

Why Choose What’s My Claim Worth? 

What’s My Claim Worth legal partners work on a no win no fee basis, meaning that you only pay legal fees if your case is successful and you receive your claim. 

If you do win, there are of course costs involved. What these will be depends on the costs of the TPD claim lawyer you work with and their solicitor’s fees and disbursements. This is an important conversation to have when you begin discussing your case. 

What’s My Claim Worth not only allows you to calculate the value of your TPD claim in New South Wales using our claim calculator, but we also work to connect you with our network of specialist TPD lawyers who can work with you to get you the best outcome — No Win, No Fee (excluding defendant costs if the claim is litigated).