Most common TPD claims

There are two types of TPD claims, these are “Any Occupation” or “Own Occupation” TPD insurance. The type of TPD insurance you receive may be provided as a default by your superannuation fund when you are offered cover or you may choose at the time of selecting your policy. The definitions of these are:

Any occupation TPD insurance:

One common TPD claim is an “Any Occupation” claim. This is when, you have suffered an injury or illness, you have stopped working as a result of this injury or illness and you are unlikely to return to any occupation for which you are reasonably suited by education, training or experience.

Sometimes any occupation TPD looks at whether or not you have lost a quarter of your “whole person function” and after being considered by a medical professional have not engaged in any occupation. You are considered TPD in regards to any occupation if you have lost a limb, part of a limb or are now blind. You are also considered totally permanently disabled in any occupation if you had been able to complete domestic duties prior to your injury or illness however, now you are unable to do so.

Own occupation TPD insurance:

The other common TPD claim is an “Own Occupation” claim. This is when, you have suffered an injury or illness, you have stopped working as a result of this injury or illness and you are unlikely to return to the job that you held just prior to your disability.

Again, you are considered TPD in regards to your own occupation if you have lost a limb, part of a limb or are now blind.

You are also considered totally permanently disabled in your occupation as well if you are unable to perform at least two five Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) without the assistance of someone else, these include self-care, communication, physical activity, sensory function, hand functions. You are also considered totally permanently disabled in your own occupation if you had been able to complete domestic duties prior to your injury or illness however, now you are unable to do so.

9 Common types of TPD claims

Common types of TPD claims for both Own Occupation and Any Occupation TPD include:

1. Cancer:

Cancer can be debilitating. From terminal cancers to more on-going cancers, the treatment of the disease as well as the disease itself can leave you unable to complete your regular duties in your own occupation or any occupation.

2. Heart attack:

Heart attacks or heart disease can weaken you to the point where you are no longer able to complete simple self-care tasks and find yourself bedridden.

3. Stroke:

Strokes can cause the permanent inability of you to use your arms, legs or lose your ability to speak and communicate. This can result in you unable to complete many of the activities of daily living which then render you totally and permanently disabled.

4. Loss of senses:

A common TPD claim can be the loss of senses such as your ability to see or hear. Whether as the result of a stroke, cancer, or an accident like a workplace incident or car accident, your loss of vision or hearing can mean you are no longer able to work or live independently.

5. Loss of a limb:

Whether it is the result of an industrial accident or a car accident, another common TPD claim is the loss of a limb or part of a limb. This can severely impact on your ability to operate machinery or even care for yourself and your family.

6. Anxiety:

Mental illness TPD claims are a common TPD claim. Anxiety can result in agoraphobia, an irregular heartbeat and breathing difficulties causing you to be unable to work or function regularly.

7. Depression:

Another common TPD claim is depression which can be debilitating to the point where you are no longer able to get out of bed or complete simple tasks like dressing yourself or bathing. This can result in TPD.

8. PTSD:

Mental illness TPD claims are becoming one of the most common TPD claims. PTSD is a common TPD claim for those who have been in the military or experienced traumatic life events. PTSD can cause flashbacks to the traumatic event, lead to irritability and the inability to sleep which can severely impact on living a normal life and being able to work.

9. Infectious disease:

Terminal infectious diseases as well as on-going diseases are common TPD claims and can include anything from HIV/AIDS to Tuberculosis and Malaria. These can be debilitating to the point where you can no longer care for yourself or work.

LHD Lawyers help everyday Australian’s receive the benefits they are entitled to. We are so sure of our abilities to win your case that we stand firmly by our No Win No Fee Policy. Contact us today, call  1800 455 725 to arrange a consultation or find out more about payouts for TPD.

Author: Khushboo Kang

Original Publish Date: October 5, 2020

Last Updated: March 13, 2024