TPD Claim Time Limit: How Long After an Injury Can I Make a Claim?

Most super funds have no TPD claim time limit, so many people can make a TPD claim years after an injury stops them from working. Learn how it works.
A clock showing the TPD claim time limit

If you’ve been injured and can’t work, you can claim Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) through your superannuation fund. With TPD insurance, you and your loved ones can have peace of mind knowing that you have financial security in the event of a permanent disability, which your super fund defines. This post will explain everything you need to know about making TPD insurance claims through superannuation funds in Australia.

At Aussie Injury Lawyers, it’s free to understand your legal options and the claims you could make – Call Now 1300 873 252 or email us >

What is TPD Superannuation Insurance, and What Does it Cover?

For those who meet their super fund’s definition of permanent disability, TPD insurance offers financial assistance as a lump sum payment. TPD insurance coverage can help with medical expenses, funeral costs, and home modifications and provide legal support for TPD claims. If you need help or have questions, TPD lawyers provide guidance and support to claim your due TPD benefit.

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Can I make a successful TPD claim through my super fund years after an injury or illness?

If you cannot work due to a permanent disability, you may be eligible to make a TPD claim through your super fund. Successful TPD claims provide a lump sum payment, depending on your TPD coverage. The TPD claim process may require forms and information such as medical records and proof of earnings.

How do I make a TPD Claim?

You can make a TPD claim when you can’t work in your own occupation or one for which you have education, training or experience. But how do you have a successful claim against your TPD insurance cover? Here are the steps:

Ask a TPD Lawyer for Advice

Seeking legal advice is the first step in a successful TPD insurance claim. Generally, a disability insurance company dislikes funding a TPD payout, so they will look for any reason to delay or reject your claim. Experienced personal injury lawyers regularly negotiate TPD compensation claims with insurance companies, so they have the knowledge you need to get a TPD benefit payment.

Collect Medical Evidence

Once an insurance claim lawyer has determined you have a valid TPD insurance claim, you must start collecting medical reports to support your case. These documents prove the total and permanent disability definition of your TPD cover, including how your illness or injury stops you from working.

The required documents typically includes:
• An accurate claim form
• Medical documents
• Treatment records from your medical practitioner
• Employment history information includes income receipts, position descriptions, and employment contracts.

File a TPD Claim

The next step is to file a TPD claim with the insurer and superannuation provider. Please attach a comprehensive letter explaining why they should approve your claim.

Proactively Contact The Insurer

After filing a TPD claim, you must proactively chase super fund insurance companies. You will have a smoother and faster claim process when you confirm they have everything they need to decide an outcome.

Dispute a Rejected Claim or get a TPD Payout

According to the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA), approximately one-quarter of TPD claims are rejected. But, an experienced insurance claim lawyer knows how to appeal and change the insurer’s decision. Once approved, a TPD lump sum payment will be made to your superannuation account.

How do I make multiple TPD claims?

The TPD claim process is the same when you have multiple TPD policies, except that you must make a separate claim against each superannuation account. To successfully claim TPD against multiple disability insurance companies, you will need medical evidence that satisfies the total and permanent disability definition of each TPD policy.

The insurance benefit amount you receive depends on the insured value of TPD insurance cover through your superannuation funds. For free, Aussie Injury Lawyers will:
• Investigate your TPD policies
• Advise on each insurer’s strict time limits
• How many TPD claims you can make
• and the estimated value of your TPD payouts

More about multiple tpd claims >

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What evidence do I need to support a claim for TPD insurance benefits through a super fund?

When making a TPD claim, you must provide evidence supporting your claim. These documents include:
• Medical evidence like treatment records
• A specialist medical assessment
• Proof of income and employment at the time of your disability
• Other information about your personal circumstances.


You may also need to provide information about other employment or connections to Centrelink Disability Support Pension or similar payments if required by the insurance company.
Understanding the TPD policies, terms, and conditions is essential to avoid issues with time limits or denied claims. The success of a TPD claim depends on providing accurate documentation that shows the extent and nature of your total and permanent disability and how it limits your work capacity and earning ability.

Infographic timeline of the TPD insurance claims process

How long is the TPD claims process for superannuation insurance claims?

The length of the TPD superannuation insurance claim process varies. Still, a successful TPD claim through your Superannuation Fund can result in compensation in the form of a lump sum payment or other insurance benefits like income protection or salary continuance. Before filing a claim, it’s important to understand TPD insurance coverage and the TPD claim process.

What other benefits are available through a super fund if I can’t work due to injury or illness?

If you can’t work due to injury or illness, knowing about all the benefits available to you through your superannuation provider is essential. In addition to Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) insurance and its associated benefits, such as lump sum payments and income protection, you may also be eligible for other benefits, such as salary continuance, medical condition compensation, and Centrelink benefits.

Before you can file a claim for TPD benefits, it’s essential to understand the process and the coverage provided by your super fund. You should review the available forms and contact your insurer or superannuation fund to understand the process better. It’s also important to be aware of any time limits that may apply and to provide accurate documentation to support your claim.

In some cases, multiple claims may be more beneficial than a single claim, as it can help reduce legal fees and increase your compensation. However, this will depend on your circumstances, and it’s best to speak with a TPD lawyer or insurance expert to determine the best course of action for your specific case.

Ultimately, the key to successfully navigating the TPD super claim process is to understand the benefits available to you and to work with knowledgeable professionals who can help guide you through the process and ensure that you receive the support you’re entitled to.

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How TPD Lawyers Help with Super TPD Claims

At Aussie Injury Lawyers, our TPD lawyers have over 100 years of combined experience helping people successfully claim a TPD lump sum benefit through a superannuation fund. We can help you:

  • Navigate the TPD claims process
  • Understand the TPD benefits available to you
  • Lodge accurate permanent disability claim forms
  • We will work with you to successfully claim TPD

If you have been permanently disabled due to injury or illness and can no longer work, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for free advice on making a successful TPD insurance claim – Call Now 1300 873 252 or email us >

TPD Claim Time Limit FAQs

How much is a typical TPD payout?

An average TPD payout in Australia varies between $500,000 and $50,000, depending on the value of your TPD coverage. Of course, people with multiple insurance policies can make multiple claims and often receive six-figure payouts.

What is the waiting period before I can make a TPD claim?

The waiting period before lodging a TPD claim depends on the terms of total permanent disability insurance policies. Typically, it ranges from three to six months. You can speak with a lawyer before this date and then lodge a claim with your super fund insurer after your waiting period ends.

Are TPD Payouts considered taxable income in Australia?

TPD payouts are generally not considered taxable income when these funds remain in your superannuation account. But, you will pay some tax if you withdraw money before retirement.

More about tax on TPD payments >

Can you work again after a TPD payout?

In Australia, some people can return to work after receiving a permanent disability claim payout. However, it would not be in your usual occupation. You would need to train to work in a different industry suited to your disability if your insurance policy terms allow you to go back to work.

More about working after a TPD payout >

Is it hard to get a TPD payout?

About 20% of TPD claims are rejected annually in Australia, so it can be hard to get a lump sum payment. However, your chance of success is 99% when you choose Aussie Injury Lawyers to manage your compensation claim.

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