Guide to Cancer TPD & Income Protection
Can I Claim TPD and Income Protection for Cancer?
You may be able to claim income protection, life insurance, and TPD insurance benefits when you cannot return to work because of cancer.
The intensive medical treatment required for those diagnosed with cancer can mean:
- You cannot continue your daily routine
- You can’t work and earn an income.
- Your mental health suffers
Thankfully, most Australians have TPD cover, income protection and life insurance attached to their superannuation fund but don’t know how to claim entitlements.
Claiming Insurance Benefits Through Super Funds
Most Australians have TPD cover and income protection insurance attached to their superannuation fund. However, they often have limited knowledge of their ability to claim entitlements from an insurance company.
Cancer is a common medical ailment in Australia, with 1 in 7 people having a probability of mortality by age 85. Fortunately, due to improved diagnostic techniques and the impact of early therapy, you have a decreased chance of passing following a cancer diagnosis. Still, your chemotherapy, surgery and other health interventions will mean you cannot earn an income in your usual occupation.
What are the 5 common types of cancer in Australia?
Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in Australia, followed closely by prostate cancer. On average, there are about 420 new cancer cases every day. Thankfully, the percentage of people who pass from this diagnosis continues to decline. The five frequent kinds of cancer include:
- Breast
- Prostate
- Bowel (colorectal)
- Skin cancer (melanoma)
- Lung cancer
Regardless of your type of medical condition, your insurance coverage could provide you with financial benefits that allow you to fund your treatments and your life (apart from those available through private health insurance).
Is Cancer a Disability in Australia?
In Australia, cancer can be considered a permanent disability under different circumstances. Often, the physical changes and side effects triggered by cancer and associated medical treatments mean you can’t work or do your daily activities.
However, the disability definition for Centrelink benefits differs from that of total and permanent disability or terminal illness insurance cover.
Our legal team will let you know if you have insurance benefits attached to your super account, for free – Call Now 1300 873 252
Can I claim income protection benefits due to cancer?
You can claim income protection insurance benefits when you can’t work because of cancer-related medical procedures. You can survive financially with income protection payments when you are temporarily away from your job because of your illness.
Cancer Related Total and permanent disability (TPD) claims
There is no doubt that cancer is a severe condition, and the therapy you need to survive this life-threatening illness can sometimes have lasting effects on your well-being. Treatments like radiotherapy and chemotherapy can harm the nucleus of cells and produce health impacts like:
- Continual Fatigue
- Heart and lung issues
- Persistent Headaches
- Hair loss
- Stomach and muscle pain
- Nerve Damage
- Constipation and Diarrhoea
- Effects on your nervous system
When you can’t work in your usual occupation because of the long-term influence of cancer, you might have a successful TPD claim and access to your income protection payments. Both of which should be provided by your super fund.
TPD Cancer Insurance Claims Through Superannuation Funds
When a potentially terminal illness like cancer has altered your ability to work, you may be eligible to claim insurance benefits. Most Aussies have disability insurance policies through their superannuation account. When you make a successful claim, you get a lump sum payment or monthly benefits that provide vital financial support.
Our TPD claim lawyers will help you understand how to qualify as totally and permanently disabled to have a winning outcome. A medical professional will assess your capacity (or incapacity) to work in your usual occupation or one for which you have training. For example, if you usually work as a bricklayer, the doctor must say you can no longer do the manual labour associated with your occupation.
Aussie Injury Lawyers are a specialist insurance claim law firm, and your experienced solicitors provide free expert legal advice in cancer-related legal claims.
Can I Access My Superannuation Early if I Have Cancer?
Generally, you are blocked from accessing your superannuation account until you have reached your minimum retirement age. However, you can request early access to your superannuation account balance when you:
- Have a total and permanent disability
- Face severe financial hardship
- On compassionate grounds
- Are diagnosed with a terminal medical condition
Typically, a financial adviser will help you understand your options, while an insurance claim lawyer will help you access lump sum benefits.
What if my cancer diagnosis is terminal?
You can claim terminal illness benefits when you have a terminal diagnosis, whether it is cancer-related or another type of illness. First, your doctor must diagnose a life expectancy of less than 24 months.
Life Insurance Policies
Some Australian life insurance policies have terminal illness cover. When you make a terminal illness claim for cancer, you are requesting an early payout of your life insurance policy, which is typically tax-free.
To make a successful terminal illness insurance claim, you will require a current life insurance policy and the help of two doctors, one of whom is a medical specialist.
The process of accessing your terminal illness benefit is generally more straightforward than that of claiming a TPD insurance payout or income protection.
How TPD Lawyers help with cancer insurance claims
Aussie Injury Lawyers are national leaders in superannuation insurance claims. When you have had a cancer diagnosis and are struggling financially because of the life impacts of your therapies, we can help you access the funds you need to care for yourself and your loved ones.
We provide 100% No Win, No Fee funding for all our valued clients. It costs nothing for us to investigate your insurance coverage and let you know:
- Your eligibility to claim insurance benefits
- How many insurance claims you can make
- The approximate value of your insurance coverage and lump sum benefits.
- Your chance of success
- Your next steps to a successful payout
It’s free to know your circumstances; you owe us nothing until we win your claims and nothing if you lose. With Aussie Injury Lawyers, you carry no financial risk. Contact our friendly insurance claim solicitors now for free advice.
Cancer TPD Claim Lawyers Near You
When you need expert legal help with a cancer-related income protection or superannuation insurance claim, it’s reassuring to know that Aussie Injury Lawyers are located in all mainland capital cities. Choose your location:
Cancer TPD Insurance Benefits FAQs
You can make a successful permanent disability TPD claim when a critical illness (like cancer) stops you from working in your usual occupation. The insurer will pay lump sum benefits when you meet the terms of your TPD cover. A winning outcome often relies on the support of experienced TPD lawyers.
Cancer is considered a disability in Australia, according to the law. Hence, you have the same rights of any other person living with a recognised disability.
Life insurance policies generally include cover for terminal illnesses like cancer. So, they will pay out if you pass away during the policy term. In some cases, you can cash out your life policy while living, provided you have a terminal diagnosis.
People diagnosed with cancer can claim various benefits from Centrelink, as provided by the Australian government. These include:
- Disability support pension
- The age pension
- Carer’s allowance and payments
- Rent assistance
- Jobseeker
- Bereavement payment
